Relationship between Neck Length, Sleep, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Abstract

BackgroundNeck circumference, as a predicator of obesity, is a well-known risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular diseases. However, little research exists on neck length associated with these factors. This study explored the association of neck length with sleep and cardiovascular risk factors by measuring midline neck length (MNL) and lateral neck length (LNL).MethodsWe examined 240 patients aged 30 to 75 years who visited a health check-up center between January 2012 and July 2012. Patients with depressive disorder or sleep disturbance were excluded from this study. MNL from the upper margin of the hyoid bone to the jugular notch and LNL from the mandibular angle to the mid-portion of the ipsilateral clavicle were measured twice and were adjusted by height to determine their relationship with sleep and cardiovascular disease risk factors.ResultsHabitual snorers had shorter LNL height ratios (P = 0.011), MNL height ratios in men (P = 0.062), and MNL height ratios in women (P = 0.052). Those snoring bad enough to annoy others had shorter MNL height ratios in men (P = 0.083) and women (P = 0.035). Men with objective sleep apnea had longer distances from the mandible to the hyoid bone to the mandible (P = 0.057). Men with metabolic syndrome had significantly shorter LNL height ratios (P = 0.021), and women with diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome had shorter MNL height ratios (P < 0.05).ConclusionThis study shows that a short neck by measuring the MNL is probably associated with snoring. In addition, MNL is related to cardiovascular disease risk factors in women.

The impact of forward head posture on the electromyographic activity of the spinal muscles

“…Neck length was measured as the distance from the upper margin of the hyoid bone to the jugular notch. 24 Lower extremity length was checked for discrepancies by measuring the distance between the anterior superior iliac spine and medial malleolus. 25 Spinal angles were scanned using DIERS Formetric 4D spine analysis system (DIERS international Gmbh, Germany, SN: 3031211865).…”

Relationship between Neck Length, Sleep, and Psychiatric Disorders: A Psychiatric Aspect

“…They showed that a short neck, as measured by the MNL, is probably associated with snoring, and also that MNL is related to cardiovascular disease risk factors in women. 1) However, we believe that some points warrant discussion.…”

“…They excluded from the study patients with a history of depression or sleep disorders, or those currently on related medications. 1) However, many psychiatric disorders, including alcohol/substance use disorders, affect all parameters of sleep, mainly including sleep latency and total sleep time. 3 , 4) We believe that not only depression and sleep disorders, but also other psychiatric disorders, should have been excluded from the study.…”

“…The researchers indicated that sleep latency, total sleep time, and the number of apneas were identified by a self-reporting questionnaire in the study. 1) However, specific sleep parameters, such as sleep latency and the number of apneas, can be determined accurately with polysomnography. 5 , 6) Findings from a list of questions are subjective and may lead to misinterpretation.…”

Short Neck, a new criterion for airway assessment A pilot, cohort single blind study

“…There is no consensus on neck length measurement, and thus SN has not been standardized [11] . However, some medical and non-medical specialties have tried to define it in their own way, without clear reference [12,13,14] .…”