A good night’s sleep is crucial for staying healthy and avoiding various health issues. Our body constantly strives to maintain a delicate balance between various physiological processes.

Lack of proper sleep can disrupt this balance and can lead to various health complications, including atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the buildup of plaque. Plaque is made of cholesterol, fats, and other materials that form in the inner lining of arteries.

It restricts blood flow and can cause various cardiovascular issues like heart attacks, strokes, and coronary artery disease.

Several studies have shown that inconsistent sleep patterns can increase the risk of atherosclerosis. In this article, we will discuss these studies in detail.

Study 1: Sleep Fragmentation and Atherosclerosis

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in May 2019 examined the relationship between sleep fragmentation and atherosclerosis. The study involved 3,974 adults aged between 40 and 69 years.

The participants underwent a sleep assessment, and the researchers measured their sleep duration, efficiency, and fragmentation. They also measured their atherosclerotic burden using ultrasound.

The results of the study showed that participants with a higher degree of sleep fragmentation had a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis.

The study concluded that sleep fragmentation, along with short sleep duration, was associated with increased atherosclerotic burden.

Study 2: Irregular Sleep and Atherosclerosis

Another study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in January 2014 examined the relationship between irregular sleep and atherosclerosis. The study involved 2,008 participants aged between 45 and 84 years.

The participants underwent a sleep assessment, and the researchers measured their sleep regularity and atherosclerotic burden using CT scans.

The results of the study showed that participants with irregular sleep patterns had a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis.

The study also showed that participants who had short or long sleep duration had a higher risk of atherosclerosis than those who had regular sleep patterns.

Study 3: Short Sleep and Atherosclerosis

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in January 2008 examined the relationship between short sleep duration and atherosclerosis. The study involved 495 adults aged between 35 and 47 years.

The participants underwent a sleep assessment, and the researchers measured their sleep duration and atherosclerotic burden using ultrasound.

The results of the study showed that participants who slept less than six hours per night had a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis.

The study also showed that short sleep duration was associated with increased atherosclerotic burden in both the carotid and femoral arteries.

Study 4: Long Sleep and Atherosclerosis

A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research in March 2004 examined the relationship between long sleep duration and atherosclerosis. The study involved 1,478 adults aged between 50 and 70 years.

The participants underwent a sleep assessment, and the researchers measured their sleep duration and atherosclerotic burden using ultrasound.

The results of the study showed that participants who slept more than eight hours per night had a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis.

The study also showed that both short and long sleep duration were associated with increased atherosclerotic burden in the carotid arteries.

Study 5: Sleep Apnea and Atherosclerosis

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in September 2010 examined the relationship between sleep apnea and atherosclerosis.

The study involved 495 participants aged between 40 and 70 years who underwent a sleep assessment and ultrasound imaging.

The results of the study showed that participants with sleep apnea had a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis. The study also showed that the risk of atherosclerosis increased with the severity of sleep apnea.

Additionally, the study concluded that treatment for sleep apnea could improve atherosclerotic burden.

Conclusion

The studies mentioned above clearly indicate that inconsistent sleep patterns can increase the risk of atherosclerosis.

Irregular sleep patterns, sleep fragmentation, short sleep duration, long sleep duration, and sleep apnea can all increase the risk of atherosclerosis. It is essential to maintain a regular sleep pattern to ensure good health and to prevent various health complications.