Sleep-timing mismatch (MSFsc-lights-off interval) predicts poorer objective sleep initiation, continuity, and REM architecture in a clinical population under a fixed laboratory schedule
In 645 clinically referred adults undergoing polysomnography under a fixed schedule (lights-off 21:30, lights-on 06:00), a greater mismatch between individual sleep midpoint (MSFsc) and lights-off time was independently associated with longer sleep onset latency, lower sleep efficiency, higher N1 sleep, and lower REM percentage. These associations were most pronounced in patients with later MSFsc and remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, AHI, and insomnia severity.
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Sleep-timing mismatch (MSFsc-lights-off interval) predicts poorer objective sleep initiation, continuity, and REM architecture in a clinical population under a fixed laboratory schedule The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Sleep-timing mismatch (MSFsc-lights-off interval) predicts poorer objective sleep initiation, continuity, and REM architecture in a clinical population under a fixed laboratory schedule
This conclusion is most relevant to: 645 clinically referred adults (enriched for obstructive sleep apnea evaluation) under a fixed laboratory schedule.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Sleep-timing mismatch (MSFsc-lights-off interval) and its association with polysomnographic sleep parameters in a clinical population under a fixed laboratory schedule. (Sleep medicine, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Later chronotype (later MSFsc) creates greater mismatch with fixed early bedtime
- ▸Mismatch leads to difficulty initiating sleep at forced early time
- ▸Results in prolonged sleep onset latency and fragmented sleep architecture
- ▸Reduced sleep consolidation and lower REM percentage
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸645 clinically referred adults (enriched for obstructive sleep apnea evaluation) under a fixed laboratory schedule
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Abstract does not report exact effect sizes or confidence intervals
- ▸Study population enriched for OSA may limit generalizability to other clinical groups
- ▸Cross-sectional design precludes causal inference
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MSFsc?▼
MSFsc stands for mid-sleep on free days corrected for sleep debt, a measure of chronotype or individual sleep timing preference.
How was sleep-timing mismatch calculated?▼
The mismatch (Δt) was defined as the difference between each participant's MSFsc and their individually recorded lights-off time in the lab.
Did the study control for sleep apnea severity?▼
Yes, the analyses were adjusted for AHI (apnea-hypopnea index) along with age, sex, BMI, and insomnia severity.
Is this finding relevant for people without sleep disorders?▼
The study was conducted in a clinical population with high OSA prevalence, so direct applicability to healthy individuals is uncertain.
References
- 1.Wongprakarnsanti K, Siritienthong J, Awirutworakul T, Sukying C, Wisajun P. “Sleep-timing mismatch (MSFsc-lights-off interval) and its association with polysomnographic sleep parameters in a clinical population under a fixed laboratory schedule..” Sleep medicine, 2026. PMID: 42419039 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2026.109112