Association between trouble sleeping and cataract in US adults: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between trouble sleeping and cataract in US adults, given the increasing global burden of cataracts and the high prevalence of sleep problems.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 2,601 adults aged ≥40 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2008). Trouble sleeping was assessed through self-reported diagnosis, and cataract status was determined by self-reported history of cataract operation. Multiple logistic regression models were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, lifestyle variables, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

Participants with trouble sleeping had significantly higher odds of cataracts (OR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.35-4.62, p = 0.011) after adjusting for all covariates. Subgroup analyses confirmed the robustness of this association across different demographic and clinical characteristics, with interaction tests indicating no significant effect modification between subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Trouble sleeping was significantly associated with increased odds of cataracts in US adults. These findings suggest potential value in incorporating sleep health into cataract prevention strategies. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm causality, explore underlying mechanisms, and evaluate the impact of sleep interventions on cataract risk.