Sleep is an essential part of our daily routine, accounting for about one-third of our lives. Its importance goes beyond just boosting mood or banishing under-eye circles. Adequate sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle and can benefit your heart, weight, mind, and more. Recent researches have shed light on the link between sleep deprivation and heart disease.
A study by the European Society of Cardiology suggests that shorter duration of sleep could be directly linked to increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The researchers found that adults who slept fewer than six hours per night were 27% more likely to develop atherosclerosis – a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries – compared with those who had seven to eight hours sleep.
The relationship between sleep and heart health has been studied extensively over the years. Lack of sleep has been associated with hypertension, which is one major risk factor for heart disease. During normal sleep cycles, blood pressure drops significantly; therefore, disrupted or inadequate amounts of rest may prevent this decrease from occurring leading to sustained high blood pressure levels.
Additionally, chronic insufficient sleep can lead to higher levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) resulting in inflammation throughout the body including the cardiovascular system. This inflammation can cause damage over time contributing further to heart disease risks.
Moreover, poor quality or short duration of sleep disrupts metabolism which could lead to obesity and diabetes – two significant contributors towards heart disease development. Sleep apnea – a serious disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleeping periods – also poses considerable threat as it leads not only to interrupted rest but also irregular heartbeat and increased blood pressure levels.
Encouragingly though, these adverse effects are not irreversible nor inevitable if you are currently experiencing insufficient rest at night-time due its potential links with lifestyle choices such as late-night screen usage or consumption caffeine-laden beverages close bedtime among others things. Simple changes like setting regular bedtimes avoiding electronic devices before going bed might help improve your sleep quality and subsequently, reduce the risk of heart disease.
In conclusion, there is a significant link between sleep and heart health. Sufficient and good-quality sleep can play a vital role in maintaining cardiovascular health. It’s crucial to prioritize getting enough rest each night as part of an overall approach to maintaining good health and preventing diseases. If you’re having trouble sleeping or experiencing symptoms like snoring or feeling exhausted even after a full night’s rest, it may be worth discussing these issues with your doctor as they could be signs of a sleep disorder that might have implications for your heart health.