About
Existing studies show that women with PCOS have a significantly higher prevalence of sleep disorders compared to healthy controls, including obstructive sleep apnea, hypersomnia, and insomnia. Subclinical sleep issues such as poor sleep quality, difficulty falling asleep, fatigue, and nighttime awakenings are also common in PCOS. These sleep problems are linked to metabolic abnormalities like insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and obesity. However, the causal relationship between sleep disorders and PCOS onset remains unclear, and longitudinal studies on the impact of sleep disorders on PCOS-related comorbidities are lacking.
This study aims to fill this gap through longitudinal and mediation analyses, over a 36-month period. The primary goals are to explore the interactions between sleep patterns, psychological factors, clock gene polymorphisms, environmental exposures, and PCOS-related reproductive, metabolic, and psychological phenotypes. We will also investigate the causal relationship between sleep patterns and PCOS onset and the effects of sleep disorders on comorbidities. Findings will provide evidence for early prevention and personalized interventions for PCOS.
The UK Biobank cohort includes individuals aged 40-69 (2006-2010), many of whom are postmenopausal. Our research will focus on individuals diagnosed with PCOS before menopause, using clinical data (reproductive history, hormone levels) to identify potential PCOS cases. We will examine long-term health outcomes, such as metabolic and cardiovascular health, using longitudinal UK Biobank data, and have reviewed relevant research to identify suitable cases for the study.