Sleep disorders are an overlooked risk factor for non-communicable diseases

In recent years, multiple efforts have been dedicated to reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by a third by 2030, as part of target 3.4 of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. The covid-19 pandemic has made achieving this target seem unlikely for many countries, but the NCD Countdown 2030 group recently argued that, with more strategic funding, this target can still be achieved even by low and middle income countries.1 We support the group’s recommendations, but are concerned that a key group of risk factors for NCDs is still being overlooked: sleep disorders.Sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea, insomnia, and short sleep duration have long been identified as risk factors for the development and exacerbation of NCDs and mental disorders,2,3,4 yet they are often ignored in discussions about achieving sustainable development goal 3.4. The World Health Organization (WHO)’s NCD Best Buys, for example, aims to prevent premature mortality…
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