Looking Into the Impact of Poor Sleep on Your Heart

Everyone is aware of the benefits of getting a good night’s sleep for overall health, but did you also know that this is also true for the heart? Unfortunately, poor sleep can have a negative impact on the cardiovascular system, and this is especially relevant for those with sleep apnea.

Adults typically require at least seven hours of sleep per night. As age declines, this amount rises. Some individuals believe that getting merely a few hours of sleep each night won’t harm them, but research disproves this. 

Changes in a person’s life, such as pregnancy or sleep deprivation, might make it more challenging to get a decent night’s sleep. Even though the body appears to be resisting the need for sleep, it still needs the same amount.

Continue reading to learn more about how sleep affects your heart’s health.

Heart Disease Risks

Heart disease has been linked to sleeping less than the advised amount of time. According to research, people who consistently lack sleep have a 48 percent higher risk of developing heart disease. 

The reported cases of cardiac disease in persons with sleep disturbances have demonstrated this. Consistently getting insufficient sleep can increase inflammation in people, which is a key marker of heart disease.

Heart Disease and Sleep Disorders

In order to get the seven to nine hours of sleep every night that is advised, it’s crucial to maintain a consistent sleep routine. Increased risks of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease are associated with erratic sleeping patterns.

A sleep disorder can be a vicious cycle when it comes to heart health because heart disease raises your risk of developing a sleep disorder. You are more prone to get heart disease if you have a sleep disturbance.

Heart failure is present in over 75 percent of those who suffer from insomnia. Increased strains on the body and heart can result from the stress of being unable to sleep.

A typical sleep condition is obstructive sleep apnea. It happens when the upper airway momentarily closes off while you’re asleep, ending your breathing. 

Untreated heart failure is thought to increase the chance of death from the condition by five times.

How to Improve Your Sleep

Everyone should focus on preparing their bodies for sleep. Sleep hygiene is the practice of engaging in daytime activities that will help you fall asleep faster at night. 

This entails avoiding afternoon coffee, going to bed at the same time every night, and refraining from using electronics just before bed.

Create a relaxing atmosphere in your bedroom. Keep the space quiet and dark. It is advised to replace the TV in the room with a noisemaker or a fan to provide background noise.

Conclusion

If you suspect a sleep disorder, it’s best to get a diagnosis for your heart and general health. 

Usually, a straightforward overnight sleep study is used, in which electrodes are positioned on the head and chest to track your sleeping patterns. After reviewing the findings, sleep specialists will propose a course of action to your doctor.

Lethbridge Snoring & Sleep Apnea Clinic is a trusted sleep clinic in Lethbridge. We provide take home sleep testing to better comprehend and evaluate underlying sleep disorders.

Our patients’ enhanced sleep health is something we care deeply about. Contact us today to learn more.