A new study adds to the growing body of evidence that lack of sleep is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

According to the research, people who suffer from sleep loss are twice as likely to experience an infarction or heart attack than those who get enough rest.

What Is Infarction?

Infarction is a term used to describe tissue damage that results from a lack of blood flow due to a blocked blood vessel.

The most common type of infarction is a heart attack, which occurs when one or more of the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients are blocked.

The Study

Researchers from the University of Colorado in Boulder conducted a study to investigate the link between sleep loss and cardiovascular disease. The study involved 2,000 healthy adults aged 45 to 84 years who were followed for up to five years.

The researchers monitored the participants’ sleep duration and quality using wrist sensors and asked them about their sleep habits.

During the follow-up period, 111 participants experienced a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke.

The researchers found that participants who slept less than six hours per night had a two-fold increased risk of experiencing an infarction or heart attack compared to those who slept more than six hours per night.

The Mechanism

The mechanism behind the link between sleep loss and cardiovascular disease is thought to be related to the body’s stress response.

Lack of sleep is known to activate the body’s stress response system, leading to an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, this chronic activation can lead to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction (damage to the lining of blood vessels), and eventually, cardiovascular disease.

The Importance of Sleep

Sleep is essential for overall health and wellbeing. It is during sleep that the body repairs and regenerates tissues, produces hormones, and strengthens the immune system.

Lack of sleep is associated with a wide range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, depression, and cognitive impairment.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. However, many people struggle to get enough sleep due to work, family, or lifestyle factors.

Some tips for improving sleep hygiene include establishing a regular bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and limiting screen time before bed.

Conclusion

The results of this study highlight the importance of getting enough sleep for cardiovascular health. Lack of sleep is a modifiable risk factor that can be addressed through lifestyle changes and improved sleep hygiene.