Association of eight urinary metals and trouble sleeping: A cross-sectional study
Abstract
While toxic heavy metals have been linked to sleep disorders, the role of less-studied metals remains unclear. We aimed to explore the associations of 8 urinary metals with trouble sleeping and to identify potential gender-specific patterns. This study included 10,012 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2018. Urinary concentrations of tungsten, arsenic, thallium, cesium, antimony, molybdenum, cobalt, and cadmium were measured. Trouble sleeping was self-reported. We employed weighted logistic regression, restricted cubic spline models, and weighted quantile sum regression to evaluate single and mixed-metal effects. Among participants, 50.2% were male and 25.3% reported trouble sleeping. Higher urinary tungsten levels were associated with increased likelihood of trouble sleeping in males (odds ratios: 1.28-1.30). Arsenic, thallium, and cesium showed inverse associations, with notable gender differences. Weighted quantile sum analysis supported the positive association of tungsten and the inverse associations of arsenic and cesium. No significant associations were found for antimony, molybdenum, cobalt, or cadmium. Urinary tungsten is cross-sectionally associated with trouble sleeping in males, while arsenic, thallium, and cesium show inverse associations, with gender-specific patterns. Further research using validated tools is warranted to validate these associations, elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms, and highlight the…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 10,012 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Tryptophan Metabolism and Gut-Brain Homeostasis
- Rationale for a Multi-Factorial Approach for the Reversal of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease and MCI: A Review
- Prioritized Research for the Prevention, Treatment, and Reversal of Chronic Disease: Recommendations From the Lifestyle Medicine Research Summit
- Relationship between sleep disorders and gut dysbiosis: what affects what?
- The role of CLOCK gene in psychiatric disorders: Evidence from human and animal research
- Genetic, Transcriptome, Proteomic, and Epidemiological Evidence for Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Polymicrobial Brain Invasion as Determinant Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.