Impact on Cardiovascular Health: Insufficient Physical Activity Cannot Counterbalance the Negative Impacts of Poor Sleep Quality
Poor Sleep Over Three Nights Linked to Elevated Heart Risk in Healthy Men
A new study led by Uppsala University researchers explores the effects of short-term sleep deprivation on cardiovascular health. The findings, published in a reputable journal, highlight an increase in biomarkers associated with heart failure and coronary artery disease after just three nights of poor sleep.
Conducted on 16 healthy young men, the cross-over study involved monitoring participants in a sleep lab for three nights during two sessions. One session simulated normal sleep (approximately 8.5 hours per night), while the other replicated three nights of restricted sleep (around 4.25 hours).
Following the sessions, scientists collected and analyzed blood samples for proteins linked to cardiovascular disease. Notably, even in healthy participants, three consecutive nights of poor sleep generated an increase in inflammation-related proteins, potentially signaling an increased risk of heart disease.
Interestingly, exercise offered some beneficial effects, but it was not enough to entirely cancel out the negative impact of sleep restriction. Although exercise did influence protein levels to some extent, sleep-deprived participants still demonstrated elevated levels of 16 proteins associated with cardiovascular disease.
"Sleep restriction changes blood chemistry associated with inflammation, suggesting a biochemical mechanism whereby poor quality sleep can impact heart health," said Cheng-Han Chen, a board-certified interventional cardiologist.
Chen acknowledged that the results are in line with earlier research indicating that poor sleep negatively affects various health factors, including cardiovascular health and endocrine and immune functioning.
To improve sleep quality, experts recommend adhering to a consistent sleep schedule, maintaining good sleep hygiene, and establishing a relaxing bedtime routine. Future research will investigate the impacts of sleep restriction on older adults and women, as well as those with existing heart disease.
- This new study on sleep deprivation's impact on cardiovascular health, from Uppsala University, showed an increase in biomarkers linked to heart failure and other heart diseases after three nights of poor sleep.
- The research conducted on 16 healthy young men demonstrated that sleep restriction led to an increase in inflammation-related proteins, potentially indicating a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Despite exercise offering some benefits, its effects were not sufficient to completely counteract the negative impact of sleep restriction on cardiovascular-health-related proteins.
- In alignment with previous research, this study suggests that poor sleep can negatively affect various health factors, including cardiovascular health, endocrine, immune functioning, and mental health.
- To enhance sleep quality, health-and-wellness recommendations include sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, maintaining good sleep hygiene, and creating a soothing bedtime routine.
- Future scientific inquiries will aim to understand the influence of sleep restriction on older adults, women, and individuals with existing medical-conditions such as heart disease, as well as its effects on fitness-and-exercise and nutrition in relation to cardiovascular health.
