A study published in the journal JAMA Network Open shows that middle-aged and older adults who practice unhealthy sleep habits are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
The sleep quality study
The research team analyzed 15,306 people with an average age of 66, with 58% women and 42% men. The researchers reported that 5,474 people (36%) had a chaotic sleep schedule, and 3,946 (26%) had restful sleep.
It found that 3,669 members of the study group had recorded cases of cardiovascular disease during that period, including 2,986 cases of coronary artery disease and 683 cases of stroke over a mean follow-up 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 change these links, the researchers said.
Healthy sleep and heart disease risk
The five-way 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 leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In 2019, cardiovascular deaths accounted for about a third of deaths worldwide.
The researchers also said that since the risk of cardiovascular diseases continues to increase in almost all countries, it is necessary to identify risk factors to prevent serious heart disease.
The team acknowledged that previous studies have shown a link between sleep and cardiovascular health.
The researchers said 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 the those with high genetic risk.
Chelsey Borsonsleep expert and founder of baby sleep consultation service Luna Leaps, who was not involved in the study, told Medical News Today that sleep has a major impact on overall health, including heart health.
“The link between adequate sleep and heart health is increasingly recognized. “Sleep is a recovery and repair time for the heart, reducing stress and inflammation, major risk factors for heart disease,” explained Borson.
“It’s not an entirely new idea, but its importance has deepened in recent years as research has progressed.”
Borson said studies show that people who sleep less than seven hours a night tend to be at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and heart attack, which “emphasizes the role of sleep in regulating blood pressure, heart rate and cardiovascular stability.”
Healthy sleep habits are essential
“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 that dependent on sleep,” she said.
Dr. Tadwalkar Rigveda 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 hormones that affect blood pressure, inflammation and bleeding. 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 such as using screens before bed.
“Instead, adopt calming rituals like reading a book or using relaxation techniques to tell the body it’s time to rest,” he said.
“Keep the room cool, dark and quiet to improve the sleeping environment. Eliminate noise and light sources as much as possible and adjust the temperature to create the perfect 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 the underlying causes of sleep problems and recommend the most appropriate treatment options,” he said.
“In particular, consider seeking help from a sleep medicine specialist who specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Sleep medicine physicians have the expertise to perform specialized tests, develop personalized treatment plans, and provide guidance for long-term sleep health.”
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2024-05-07 07:20:20
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