Habit of Sleeping Increases Artery Hardening
A New Look at Your Sleep Pattern:
Ever felt that superior smirk when the sun rises, and your night owl pals are still snoozing? Well, turns out the world might just be on your side if you're an early bird! Here's why.
Millions of us have a specific sleep pattern, known as a chronotype. According to Dr. Matthew Walker, a leading sleep scientist, it's an innate trait- hardwired into our genes. In simple terms, you're either a morning lark or a night owl, and there's not much you can do to change it.
A recent study, expanding on previous research, hints at some fascinating links between your chronotype and health issues like heart disease and stroke.
Night owls, for example, might be at a greater risk of developing atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by hardening of the arteries. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, analyzed 771 adults between the ages of 50 and 64 and found that 'extreme evening chronotypes' showed almost double the percentage of pronounced artery calcification compared to their 'extreme morning type' counterparts (40.6% vs. 22.2%).
But that's not all! The study also pointed towards the significance of circadian rhythms in the early stages of disease processes. In other words, being aware of your chronotype could help your doctor suggest preventive measures to keep heart disease at bay.
To maintain cardiovascular health, the American Heart Association recommends adhering to the Life's Essential 8TM program. This advice focuses on adoptable behaviors and factors that can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.
You might also want to consider adding vitamin K2 and tea (black or green) to your daily routine. Vitamin K2 has been linked to reduced calcification and a lower risk of heart problems, while flavonoids in teas and foods like berries, apples, grapes, and dark chocolate have been shown to minimize artery calcification in studies.
Staying informed about natural ways to lower your risk of blood clots and maintaining a heart-healthy diet also plays a vital role in preventing heart disease.
References:
- Artery calcification more common in night owls - Eureka Alert
- Eveningness is associated with coronary artery calcification in a middle-aged Swedish population - Sleep Medicine
- Chronotypes: Your natural propensity to be an early riser or night owl - Found My Fitness
- Atherosclerosis Risk Factors - American Heart Association
- Interestingly, science suggests that chronic sleep patterns like a night owl chronotype could potentially increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and atherosclerosis, a medical condition related to hardening of the arteries.
- For those seeking to maintain their health and wellness, being cognizant of their sleep patterns and chronotypes could help doctors recommend preventive measures for chronic diseases, as health-and-wellness advocates often emphasize the importance of understanding and managing one's sleep patterns.
