Figure 3.

Schematic representation of the risk factors, possible pathophysiological pathways (in common and distinct) linking circadian misalignment and insomnia to short term and long-term health consequences. Inconsistencies in the literature and future investigations may bring some differences regarding the mechanisms listed as distinct, showing that some of them may also occur in both disturbances. The colors represent the link between cause and effect, i.e., the mechanisms represented in green contribute to the development of the consequence in green (hyperglycemia and insulin resistance). The same is true for the mechanisms in orange (which result in obesity) and blue (CVD, hypertension and diabetes). ↑: increased; ↓: reduced; ASPS: Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome; DSPS: Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome; HPA: Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis; HR: Heart Rate; HRV: Heart Rate Variability; CVD: Cardiovascular Disease; HDL: High-Density Lipoprotein.