December 03, 2024

Irregular Sleep Patterns May Increase Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

People with irregular sleep patterns may face an increased risk of heart attacks or strokes, according to a new study.

Individuals whose sleep and wake times vary significantly from day to day have a 26% higher risk of experiencing a major heart-related health emergency, researchers found. This increased risk was observed even if they achieved the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night.

"Our results suggest that sleep regularity may be more relevant than sufficient sleep duration in modulating MACE [major adverse cardiovascular event] risk," said Jean-Philippe Chaput, senior scientist at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute in Canada.

Study Highlights the Role of Sleep Regularity

The study analyzed data from more than 72,000 participants in the UK Biobank, a large-scale health research initiative. Participants wore activity trackers for a week, allowing researchers to measure their sleep patterns and calculate a sleep regularity score.

The findings revealed that individuals with highly irregular sleep schedules-frequently varying their sleep and wake times-were at greater risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular-related death.

Moreover, the study found a clear relationship between the degree of irregularity and the risk: the more irregular a person's sleep, the higher their risk of serious heart events.

The Link Between Sleep and Heart Health

While a higher proportion of regular sleepers (61%) met the recommended sleep duration compared to irregular sleepers (48%), the risk associated with highly irregular sleep persisted regardless of sleep quantity.

Researchers suggested that irregular sleep may harm heart health by disrupting the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, cholesterol, inflammation, and immune function.

"These disturbances contribute to a cascade of adverse effects, including increased stress hormone release, elevated blood pressure, impaired endothelial function, and a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders," the researchers noted.

A Growing Focus on Sleep and Heart Health

The study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, underscores the importance of consistent sleep patterns.

"It is worth noting that the American Heart Association's construct of cardiovascular health, called Life's Essential 8, now includes sleep duration as one of the metrics," the researchers concluded. "The addition of sleep to this construct is certainly good news and recognizes the importance of sleep in cardiovascular health."

This research highlights the critical role of sleep regularity in preventing cardiovascular problems and emphasizes the need for consistent sleep habits as part of a healthy lifestyle.