Reframing Sleep’s Importance in Lifestyle Medicine: A Theoretical Sleep-Centered Model

Authors

• Christine E. Peck, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Sleep Medicine

Advisor

Dr. Debra Munsell

Abstract

Lifestyle Medicine is a behavior-based approach focused on preventing and managing chronic diseases through evidence-based lifestyle changes. While nutrition and physical activity often dominate the clinical focus of lifestyle medicine-based care, emerging evidence suggests that sleep is a foundational pillar that can affect the effectiveness of other lifestyle behaviors. This review examines sleep through the lens of the other pillars of Lifestyle Medicine in order to demonstrate that sleep is not merely a parallel lifestyle factor but a regulator that can influence the success of behavioral changes in other domains of health. This review was conducted through a structured literature search using PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Library. Search terms included combinations of keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms such as “sleep,” “sleep restriction,” “sleep disorders,” and “obstructive sleep apnea,” combined with “cardiovascular disease,” “metabolic disease,” “nutrition,” “diet,” “physical activity,” “stress,” “mental health,” and “social connection.” Emphasis was placed on literature published within the past 10 years, reflecting current best evidence. As a narrative review, formal inclusion and exclusion criteria were not applied. Articles were selected based on relevance and clinical applicability. When this literature is examined comprehensively, it becomes apparent that prioritizing sleep assessment and intervention can intensify the effectiveness and sustainability of lifestyle-based prevention and treatment strategies. While further randomized controlled trials would strengthen this argument, the current evidence supports sleep as a clinical priority for optimizing patient outcomes.

Recommended Citation

Peck CE. Reframing Sleep’s Importance in Lifestyle Medicine: A Theoretical Sleep-Centered Model. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2026; 8(1).