Examining oxidative stress as a mechanistic link between sleep irregularity and cardiovascular risk in young adults with chronic anxiety

American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology 2026

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Authors: Jacob W. Richardson, Emily A. Buck, Jennifer Weggen, Brad Bakken, Brandon J. Fitzpatrick, Raven G. Campbell, Ryan S. Garten
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00006.2026
Cited by: 3
References: 44

Abstract

This study is the first to identify oxidative stress as a mediator of early cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk associated with total sleep time irregularity (TSTI) in young adults with chronic anxiety. Antioxidant supplementation reduced oxidative stress and improved blood pressure regulation in the high TSTI group. These findings suggest that oxidative stress plays a central role in linking chronic anxiety, sleep irregularity, and elevated CVD risk.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Sleep and related disorders Obstructive Sleep Apnea Research Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
330
Issue
4
Pages
H919–H926
Publication date
25 February 2026
Language
EN