A study published in the journal JAMA Network Open shows that middle-aged and older adults who adopt unhealthy sleep habits are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
The sleep quality study
The research team analyzed 15,306 individuals with an average age of 66, of whom 58% were women and 42% were men. The researchers reported that 5,474 (36%) people had a chaotic sleep schedule, and 3,946 (26%) had restful sleep.
It found that 3,669 members of the study group had documented cases of cardiovascular disease during that time, including 2,986 cases of coronary heart disease and 683 cases of stroke over an average follow-up period of nearly 5 years.
Compared to people with a chaotic sleep schedule, individuals who got enough rest at night had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke during the follow-up period. Genetic risk for cardiovascular disease did not alter these associations, the researchers said.
Healthy sleep and the risk of heart disease
The five-track sleep schedule study determined bedtime, sleep duration, sleep quality, midday siesta, and risk scores for coronary heart disease and stroke.
The authors pointed out that cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In 2019, cardiovascular deaths accounted for about a third of all deaths globally.
The researchers also said that as the risk of cardiovascular disease continues to rise in almost every country, there is a need to identify risk factors to prevent serious heart disease.
The team acknowledged that previous studies have shown an association of sleep with cardiovascular health.
The researchers added that lifestyle and genetic factors are also associated with cardiovascular disease, and previous research has shown that people with healthy lifestyles had a lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, even among those with a high genetic risk.
Chelsey Borson, a sleep expert and founder of the baby sleep consulting service Luna Leaps, who was not involved in the study, told Medical News Today that sleep has profound effects on overall health, including heart health.
“The link between adequate sleep and heart health is increasingly recognized as vital. Sleep serves as a recovery and repair period for the heart, reducing stress and inflammation, major risk factors for heart disease,” explained Borson.
“It’s not an entirely new idea, but its significance has deepened significantly in recent years as research has advanced.”
Borson said studies show that people who sleep less than seven hours a night tend to have higher risks of developing cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and heart attack, which “underscores the role of sleep in regulating blood pressure, of heart rate and cardiovascular stability.”
Healthy sleep habits are crucial
“Limiting exposure to screens and bright lights during the evening is another effective strategy as it helps maintain the natural production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep,” she added.
Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar, a consultant cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California, who was not involved in the study, told Medical News Today that adequate sleep allows the body to rest and repair itself, as well as “regulates the hormones that it influences blood pressure, inflammation and blood sugar levels, all of which are very important for heart health.”
Tadwalkar said people who have trouble sleeping should reconsider pre-sleep activities and avoid stimulating activities like using screens before bed.
“Instead, adopt calming rituals like reading a book or practicing relaxation techniques to signal to the body that it’s time to relax,” he said.
“Keep the room cool, dark and quiet to improve the sleep environment. Eliminate noise and light sources as much as possible and adjust the temperature to create the ideal setting for a restful night’s sleep.”
Tadwalkar said if sleep problems persist, it’s important to see a health professional for further evaluation and personalized advice.
“This can help identify any underlying causes of sleep problems and recommend the most appropriate treatment options,” he said.
“In particular, consider seeking the help of a sleep medicine specialist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Sleep medicine physicians have the expertise to perform specialized tests, develop personalized treatment plans, and provide guidance for long-term sleep health.”
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-quality-sleep-can-reduce-the-risk-of-heart-disease-and-stroke#Healthy-sleep-habits-are-crucial
Photo source: Lysenko Andrii / Shutterstock
