It’s a silent trigger.
A recent study suggests that irregular sleep patterns may increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Individuals whose sleep and wake times varied significantly each day were found to have a 26% higher risk of major cardiovascular events, even if they met the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night. The study underscores the importance of consistent sleep routines in maintaining heart health.
The research, led by Jean-Philippe Chaput from the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, analyzed data from over 72,000 participants in the UK Biobank study. Participants wore activity trackers for a week to monitor their sleep habits, and researchers used this data to calculate their sleep regularity. The findings revealed that people with highly irregular sleep patterns faced a significantly increased risk of heart-related emergencies compared to those with more consistent sleep schedules.
Interestingly, even though a higher proportion of regular sleepers achieved the recommended sleep duration (61% compared to 48% of irregular sleepers), the negative impact of highly irregular sleep persisted regardless of total sleep time. The researchers speculated that irregular sleep disrupts critical bodily processes, including blood sugar regulation, cholesterol levels, inflammation, and immune function, which can lead to elevated blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, highlights how poor sleep regularity can trigger harmful physiological responses, such as increased stress hormones and impaired blood vessel function. These factors collectively raise the likelihood of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
The research aligns with the American Heart Association’s inclusion of sleep duration as part of “Life’s Essential 8,” its framework for cardiovascular health. By emphasizing the importance of regular sleep schedules, the findings suggest a proactive approach to reducing cardiovascular risks and promoting overall well-being.
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