Sleep is an essential aspect of a healthy lifestyle but the quality and duration of sleep has been decreasing rapidly in modern times.

Work schedules, social media, technology, stress, and other factors have contributed to the widespread phenomenon of sleep deprivation.

Sleep deprivation can lead to several health problems, including heart disease. Several studies have shown that people who do not get enough sleep are at a higher risk of heart attacks or stroke.

In this article, we will discuss how sleep deprivation can increase the risk of infarction and its potential impact on our overall health.

What is an Infarction?

An infarction occurs when the blood supply to a specific area of the body is disrupted, leading to tissue damage or even tissue death. Infarctions can occur in various parts of the body, but they are most common in the heart and brain.

Since the heart is responsible for pumping blood to the entire body, it is particularly vulnerable to infarction. When the blood supply to the heart muscle is disrupted, it can lead to a heart attack or myocardial infarction.

Similarly, when the blood supply to the brain is obstructed, it can cause a stroke or cerebral infarction.

Sleep Deprivation and Heart Disease

Studies show that sleep deprivation can increase the risk of heart disease.

A study published in the European Heart Journal found that people who slept less than six hours per night had a 48% higher risk of developing or dying from heart disease compared to those who slept six to eight hours. Additionally, people who slept more than eight hours per night had a 38% higher risk of heart disease.

Another study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that people who had difficulty falling or staying asleep had a 27% higher risk of developing heart disease compared to those who slept well.

Furthermore, a study published in the journal SLEEP found that people who slept less than five hours per night were 83% more likely to develop atherosclerosis – a hardening and narrowing of the arteries – compared to those who slept seven hours or more.

Sleep Deprivation and Infarction

In addition to increasing the risk of heart disease, sleep deprivation has also been linked to a higher risk of infarction.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who slept less than six hours per night had a four times higher risk of stroke symptoms compared to those who slept six to eight hours. Similarly, people who slept more than eight hours had a two times higher risk of stroke symptoms.

Another study published in the journal Sleep Medicine found that people who slept less than six hours per night had a 4.5 times higher risk of developing atherosclerosis compared to those who slept seven hours or more.

Why Does Sleep Deprivation Increase the Risk of Infarction?

Sleep deprivation can increase the risk of infarction in several ways:.

1. High Blood Pressure

When we are asleep, our blood pressure levels decrease. However, when we are sleep-deprived, our blood pressure may remain elevated, putting extra stress on our cardiovascular system.

Over time, high blood pressure can lead to atherosclerosis and increase the risk of infarction.

2. Inflammation

Sleep deprivation can also lead to inflammation, which can damage the walls of our blood vessels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Inflammation is also a risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular events.

3. Insulin Resistance

Sleep deprivation can cause insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders. These conditions are also linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

4. Disrupting Circadian Rhythm

Sleep deprivation can disrupt our circadian rhythm, which can affect our hormone levels, blood pressure, and other physiological functions.

Disruptions in our internal clock can elevate the levels of stress hormones like cortisol, which can cause inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

5. Obesity

Sleep deprivation can increase the risk of obesity, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Lack of sleep can disrupt the hormones that control hunger and appetite, leading to overeating and weight gain.

Conclusion

Sleep is a critical aspect of our overall health and well-being, and sleep deprivation can have severe consequences. Lack of sleep has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, especially infarction.

Therefore, it is essential to prioritize our sleep and ensure that we get enough rest each night.

Improving sleep hygiene can help us get better quality sleep and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

This can include creating a comfortable sleep environment, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, sticking to a regular sleep schedule, and reducing screen time before bedtime.