Association between sleep traits and sarcopenia‐related traits: A two‐sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

Aim Despite limited evidence regarding the impact of sleep quality on sarcopenia, it is widely recognized as being associated with various diseases. This study aimed to explore the causal relationship between sleep traits and sarcopenia‐related traits. Methods This study utilized a two‐sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis. Genetic genome‐wide summary data of sleep quality indicators, including chronotype, morning wake‐up time, sleep duration, daytime napping, insomnia and daytime dozing, were used. Data on sarcopenia‐related traits, such as appendicular lean mass, grip strength of both hands, walking pace and waist circumference, were collected from a large cohort study. The primary method used was the inverse‐variance weighted analysis. Results A causal association was found between chronotype and appendicular lean mass (odds ratio [OR] 1.019, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.016–1.211, P = 0.021). Napping during the day was connected with walking pace (OR 0.879, 95% CI 0.834–0.928, P = 2.289 × 10 −6 ) and waist circumference (OR 1.234, 95% CI 1.081–1.408, P = 0.002). Insomnia was related to lower grip strength of the right hand (OR 0.844, 95% CI 0.747–0.954, P = 0.007), left hand (OR 0.836, 95% CI 0.742–0.943, P = 0.003), as well as walking pace (OR 0.871, 95% CI 0.798–0.951, P = 0.002). Furthermore, the reverse Mendelian randomization analysis showed associations between certain sarcopenia‐related traits and poor sleep quality. Conclusions Some sleep traits were associated with the occurrence of sarcopenia. These findings emphasized the significance of prioritizing sleep quality as a preventive measure against sarcopenia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 537–545 .