Sleep disorders in hepatocellular carcinoma.

As one of the most prevalent malignant tumors, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a major global public health burden. Traditionally, HCC pathogenesis has been attributed to chronic liver diseases (viral hepatitis, cirrhosis) and aflatoxin exposure. However, with evolving lifestyles and environmental changes, sleep disorders have become increasingly prevalent. Emerging evidence suggest that sleep disorders may contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis through multiple mechanisms, including immunity environment disorder, oxidative stress, metabolic dysregulation, disruption of gut microbiota, and circadian rhythm disruption, thereby influencing disease progression and patient prognosis. This review summarizes epidemiological evidence on the relationship between sleep disorders and HCC incidence, explores the underlying mechanisms through which sleep disorders contribute to HCC, and discusses clinical challenges and potential intervention strategies. Our objective is to provide novel insights into HCC prevention and therapeutic approaches.