The impact of acute sleep fragmentation on muscle blood flow responses to handgrip exercise.
J Appl Physiol (1985)Aug 7, 2026 (epub)
Gabriel Narvaez, Joaquin U Gonzales
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In 30 seconds
This randomized crossover trial examined the effects of acute sleep fragmentation on muscle blood flow during exercise in 20 adults. Following fragmented sleep, brachial artery dilation decreased (5.5 ± 4.8% vs. 3.3 ± 3.7%; P = 0.01), resulting in a lower forearm blood flow response during rhythmic handgrip exercise (122 ± 58 vs. 110 ± 56 mL/min; P = 0.04).
Key findings
- Nightly awakenings increased by 18% after fragmented sleep (P < 0.001).
- Brachial artery dilation was reduced after fragmented sleep (5.5 ± 4.8% vs. 3.3 ± 3.7%; P = 0.01).
- Forearm blood flow during rhythmic exercise was lower after fragmented sleep (122 ± 58 vs. 110 ± 56 mL/min; P = 0.04).
Why it matters
Understanding the impact of sleep fragmentation on muscle blood flow is crucial, as it may contribute to exercise performance deficits. Clinicians should consider sleep quality when evaluating patients' exercise capacity and recovery.