Anaemia and insomnia: a cross-sectional study and meta-analysis

The Publication

Insomnia has been linked to chronic medication conditions and is associated with a poorer quality of life, significantly impeding memory and cognitive performance. It is therefore clinically important to address risk factors that could increase risk of insomnia.

Recent genome studies have shown that a gene MEIS1 variants of which have been associated with both iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and restless leg syndrome, is also linked to insomnia. Interestingly, IDA is consistently being documented alongside sleep alterations in children. However, there is limited research that examines the relationship between anaemia and insomnia in adults.

A cross sectional study on 12,614 participants was used to assess the effect of anaemia on insomnia. The study confirmed the relationship: showing those with anaemia had a higher risk of insomnia. This significant relationship remained even after adjustment for confounds.

Our Response

This study demonstrates a link between how key micronutrient deficiencies can contribute to much higher level behavioural changes, such as insomnia. This is important because insomnia can lead to events that trigger widespread inflammation and chronic health conditions.