Short night-time sleep duration is associated with thyroid nodules: A community-based survey from Guangzhou, China

Background Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining human health. This study aimed to explore the association between sleep status and thyroid nodules. Methods A total of 2414 individuals aged 18 or older with euthyroidism were enrolled in this community-based survey. Sleep status was self-reported. Thyroid ultrasonography was performed to measure nodules. Multiple logistic analyses were applied to adjust for confounding factors. Results The percentages of thyroid nodules among individuals who slept <5 hours, 5-8 hours, and >8 hours per night were 57.79% (115/199), 44.19% (833/1885) and 42.73% (141/330), respectively (p = 0.001). Individuals who slept <5 hours per night had a significantly higher percentage of thyroid nodules than those who slept 5-8 hours per night (57.79% vs. 44.19%, p = 0.001) or >8 hours per night (57.79% vs. 42.73%, P < 0.001). However, no similar result was shown between individuals who slept >8 hours and 5-8 hours per night (42.73% vs. 44.19%, p = 0.621). Multiple logistic analysis showed that a sleep duration of <5 hours per night was significantly associated with thyroid nodules (odds ratio (OR) 1.643, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.084-2.490, p = 0.019) when compared to a sleep duration of >8 hours per night. However, a sleep duration of <5 hours per night was not associated with thyroid nodules compared to a sleep duration of 5-8 hours (OR 1.294, 95% CI 0.918-1.824, p = 0.141). Similarly, no significant differences were seen among sleep duration per day, time of falling asleep, habit of daytime napping or thyroid nodules in multiple logistic analyses (all p > 0.05). Conclusions Short nighttime sleep duration was associated with thyroid nodules in our community-based population. Screening for thyroid nodules among these individuals is recommended.

Automated summary

This study aimed to explore the association between sleep status and thyroid nodules. The results showed that individuals who slept less than 5 hours per night had a significantly higher percentage of thyroid nodules compared to those who slept 5-8 hours or more than 8 hours per night. Therefore, screening for thyroid nodules is recommended in this population.