SLEEP AND POLYENDOCRINE METABOLIC OVARIAN SYNDROME: ANALYZING THE BIDIRECTIONAL RELATIONSHIP. A LITERATURE REVIEW
Abstract
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) represents a prevalent endocrine disorder whose pathogenesis is driven by a complex network of underlying mechanisms. Emerging evidence highlights disrupted sleep architecture and circadian dysregulation as significant contributors to PMOS progression, suggesting that targeting these pathways could optimize clinical management. Aim: The aim of this article is to review recent data regarding the impact of sleep alterations and biological rhythm disturbances on PMOS, while evaluating therapeutic strategies helping to restore sleep health. Material and methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted utilizing the PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify peer-reviewed articles published between 2001 and 2026. Results: Sleep abnormalities correlate strongly with the clinical severity of PMOS, though the precise physiological pathways mediating this interaction remain to be fully discovered. Circadian desynchronization and blunted melatonin pathways significantly exacerbate metabolic dysfunction and disrupt reproductive hormone regulation. Concurrently, comorbid obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) accelerates cardiovascular risk, whereas psychological distress, such as depression, impairs sleep quality and diminishes patient compliance with essential lifestyle modifications. Conclusions: Further investigation is required to clarify the exact impact of sleep deprivation on PMOS pathophysiology. Behavioral therapies, chronobiological tools and continuous clinical support offer encouraging strategies and seem to significantly improve patients quality of life. However, future clinical trials are undoubtedly urgently needed to establish optimal management protocols for this population.