A cross-sectional study on the relationship between hepatitis C virus infection and the risk of sleep disorders among adults based on NHANES data from 2017 to 2020

Patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection often report sleep‑related complaints, but the relationship between HCV and clinically significant sleep disturbances remains poorly defined. This cross‑sectional study aimed to explore whether HCV infection is associated with an increased risk of sleep disorder among adults. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017 to 2020 were analyzed. HCV infection status and sleep disorder were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Covariates including gender, age, race, marital status, alcohol use, body mass index, diabetes status, cancer history, and smoking status were adjusted in the analysis. A total of 7924 participants aged 20 to 80 years were enrolled, of whom 2310 had sleep disorder. The prevalence of HCV infection was significantly higher in participants with sleep disorder. After adjustment for potential confounders by multivariable logistic regression, HCV infection was independently associated with an increased risk of sleep disorder (odds ratio = 2.08; 95% confidence interval = 1.37-3.15; P < .05). HCV infection is significantly associated with an elevated risk of sleep disorder in adults. HCV screening among patients with sleep complaints may facilitate comprehensive clinical management.