Impact on Cardiovascular Health: Insufficient Physical Activity Cannot Compensate for Negative Impacts of Inadequate Sleep
Researchers from Uppsala University have published a study investigating the effects of poor sleep on heart health, finding that just three nights of insufficient rest can lead to increased biomarkers associated with inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
The crossover study monitored 16 young, healthy men as they underwent three-night sessions of restricted sleep and regular sleep in a sleep lab. The participants only received around 4.25 hours of sleep during the restricted sleep sessions, while they averaged approximately 8.5 hours during the controlled sleep sessions.
The researchers collected blood samples from the participants before, during, and after high-intensity exercise sessions. They analyzed 88 proteins related to cardiovascular disease, such as leptin, lipoprotein lipase, and galectin-9.
The results showed that short-term sleep restriction changed the participants' biomarkers, with increases observed in proteins associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. While exercise did impact protein levels to some degree, the participants still experienced increases in 16 proteins related to cardiovascular disease.
The study's findings underscore the need for adequate sleep for maintaining heart health, even in young, healthy individuals. The authors noted that further research is necessary to determine the impacts of short-term sleep restriction on older adults and women.
Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist, spoke with Medical News Today about the study's implications. Chen explained that the research demonstrates a biochemical mechanism by which poor sleep can negatively impact health, suggesting that it's vital to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and follow good sleep habits for better cardiovascular health.
Harneet Walia, MD, medical director of sleep for Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, agreed with the findings and recommended creating a relaxing bedtime routine to ensure the best chances for a good night's sleep.
Providing ample evidence for the importance of sleep, the study highlights the need for improved sleep hygiene for maintaining optimal heart health. A consistent sleep schedule, avoiding electronic devices before bedtime, following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and limiting long daytime naps are all key factors in ensuring a good night's sleep and reducing the risk of negative health consequences.
Sources:[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7764954/[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35478343[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7782695/[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35722068[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33670055
- The study reveals that poor sleep can contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, even in healthy young individuals.
- The research suggests that maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and good sleep habits is crucial for better cardiovascular health.
- Short-term sleep restriction can lead to changes in biomarkers associated with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and other heart diseases.
- The findings underscore the importance of sleep for mental health, as poor sleep quality can have negative consequences on overall health-and-wellness.
- Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding electronic devices before bedtime can all contribute to better sleep quality and reduced risk of negative health consequences.
- The study highlights the need for further research on the effects of short-term sleep restriction on older adults and women, and the importance of addressing mental-health, nutrition, and cardiovascular-health issues related to sleep.
