Getting good sleep is critical for you to function normally during the day as it helps the body to repair itself. Losing sleep not just impacts your energy levels, but also heart health. Consult a heart specialist for a sleep issue and concerns about cardiovascular health.
Sleep is often sacrificed in today’s fast-paced world in the name of productivity. Notably, sleep helps your body repair itself and prepare it to function normally during the day. Besides, getting a good night’s sleep is not only crucial for your energy levels but also your heart health. You can consult one of the best cardiologists in Kolkata at Apollo Gleneagles Hospital Kolkata about the impact of losing sleep on the heart. Also, read ahead to learn how sleep and heart health are related.
Connection Between Sleep Deprivation and Heart Problems
Most people need a minimum of 7 hours of sleep every night. However, nearly one in three adults sleep less than the recommended hours per night. While this may be acceptable for a day or two, not getting enough sleep over time can not only lead to serious health problems, but also worsen certain existing issues.
Sleep deprivation forces your body to rely on the sympathetic nervous system, also known as the ‘fight or flight’ nervous system, increasing the risk of developing heart disease.
Directly affecting the way your cardiovascular system functions, chronic sleep deprivation can cause the following heart problems:
- High Blood Pressure: People with interrupted or insufficient sleep cycles may have higher-than-average blood pressure levels. Over time, this can put a that may strain on the heart and blood vessels.
- Inflammation and Stress: It is to be noted that chronic sleep deprivation may increase the level of stress hormones, such as cortisol, in your body. This may contribute to cardiovascular problems.
- Weight Gain: Your appetite-regulating hormones, including leptin and ghrelin, get upset owing to poor sleep patterns. Due to this imbalance, you can indulge in overeating which may lead to weight gain. Notably, gaining weight puts you at a higher risk of developing heart problems, coronary artery disease and diabetes.
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Sleep Disorders and Heart Health
Sleep problems can hurt your heart health over time. For instance:
- Sleep apnea, caused by certain health problems like obesity and heart failure, affects how much oxygen your body gets while you sleep. It increases the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack.
- Insomnia is linked to high blood pressure and heart diseases. Over time, poor sleep can also lead to unhealthy habits like indulging in less physical activity and making unhealthy food choices, that can further hurt your heart.
If you have been diagnosed with a sleep disorder, then you must talk to a seasoned doctor or one of the best cardiologists in Kolkata at Apollo Gleneagles Hospital Kolkata about a plan to address your risk of heart problems.
Studies Associate Poor Sleep with Heart Health
Many studies have highlighted how sleep disorders and poor sleep can hurt your heart health. Some of the findings are mentioned below:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness, a symptom of many sleep disorders, including hypersomnia, can increase the chances of developing a cardiovascular disease.
- Insufficient or irregular sleep can negatively influence diet and lead to stress, which can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Poor sleep can cause obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, which are counted as some of the major cardiovascular disease risk factors.
- Sleep deprivation and sleep disorders have also been associated with increased inflammation in your body. This can also increase your risk of cardiovascular issues.
- Poor sleep and sleep disorders can cause depression and other mental health issues. This may further hurt your heart health.
Conclusion
To sum up, getting a good night’s sleep is vital for your body to function normally. Sleep deprivation can lead to many health problems like obesity and diabetes that put you at a greater risk of cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. Therefore, you must consult one of the best cardiologists in Kolkata at Apollo Gleneagles Hospital Kolkata from time to time to keep your heart in check and identify any issues early on.
References:
https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/heart-and-vascular-articles/how-sleep-deprivation-and-sleep-apnea-impact-heart-health
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/sleep-disorders/sleep-and-heart-health
https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/sleep-and-heart-health.html
