Effects Of Insomnia On Heart Health: In today’s fast-moving society, getting enough sleep often gets overshadowed by work pressures, social engagements, and screen time. Nonetheless, both the amount and quality of sleep are vital for maintaining overall health, especially heart health. Studies increasingly reveal the harmful impact of inadequate sleep on cardiovascular health.... CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶▶
Regularly sleeping less than six hours per night is linked to a greater risk of various heart-related issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. How insufficient sleep affects heart health is complex, involving disruptions in metabolic functions, elevated stress levels, and increased inflammation. Recognising these effects is crucial for understanding the importance of adequate sleep in maintaining cardiovascular health and adopting practices for improved sleep hygiene.
Dr Sanjay Kumar, Director Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Hospital Faridabad explains how insomnia, characterised by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, affects the cardiovascular system.
Effects Of Insomnia On Heart Health
1. Increased Blood Pressure: Insomnia often leads to elevated blood pressure, particularly during the night. Poor sleep can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Chronic high blood pressure is a key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
2. Inflammation: Poor sleep quality and duration can lead to increased levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). Inflammation is a critical factor in the development of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries), which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
3. Increased Heart Rate: Insomnia can lead to an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, resulting in a higher resting heart rate. A persistently elevated heart rate can overwork the heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
4. Impaired Glucose Metabolism: Insomnia is associated with insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism, which are risk factors for diabetes. Diabetes, in turn, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Effects Of Insomnia On Heart Health (Image Credits: Canva)
5. Endothelial Dysfunction: Insufficient sleep can impair the function of the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels. Endothelial dysfunction is an early indicator of atherosclerosis and can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease.
6. Increased Risk of Heart Disease: Chronic insomnia is linked to a higher risk of developing heart disease, including coronary artery disease and heart failure. The stress and hormonal imbalances caused by poor sleep are major contributors to this increased risk.
7. Elevated Risk of Stroke: Insomnia has been associated with an increased risk of stroke. The combination of higher blood pressure, inflammation, and impaired vascular function makes stroke more likely in those with chronic sleep issues.
8. Arrhythmias: Poor sleep quality is associated with an increased risk of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. Arrhythmias can lead to blood clots, stroke, and heart failure if not managed properly.
