People who sleep too much or too little may be more likely to have early signs of heart disease according to a study of more than 47000 apparently healthy young and middle aged adults
The study volunteers filled out sleep questionnaires and underwent tests to assess the arteries in their hearts and legs Researchers found that people who slept for nine or more hours per night had more calcium buildup in their heart artery walls and stiffer leg arteries than those who slept seven hours per night
These early signs of heart disease were also more prevalent in people who logged five or fewer hours of sleep per night and in people who reported poor sleep quality
Insomnia is linked to high blood pressure and heart disease Over time poor sleep can also lead to unhealthy habits that can hurt your heart including higher stress levels less motivation to be physically active and unhealthy food choices For better sleep get enough natural light especially earlier in the day
The authors whose study was published online September 10 by Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology note that many studies have linked insufficient sleep to high blood pressure and other factors that boost heart disease risk Its less clear how excess sleep might contribute to early heart disease
One possibility is that people who sleep longer than normal might have fragmented poor quality sleep which may boost levels of inflammation a known risk factor for heart disease
Sleeping a solid seven or eight hours per night is a marker of good heart health says cardiac surgeon A Marc Gillinov MD Exactly how sleep influences the coronary arteries is still being studied but we do know that not getting enough sleep is associated with risk factors for heart disease
Sleep is essential for a healthy heart People who dont sleep enough are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease and coronary heart diseaseregardless of age weight smoking and exercise habits Over time this can lead to higher blood pressure during the day and a greater chance of cardiovascular problems
Dont put your health and life at risk Call Alaska Sleep Clinic to speak with one of our sleep specialists to get answers to your sleep problems
