A recent study conducted in the UK has shed light on the impact of irregular sleep patterns on the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. The study, which involved over 70,000 participants aged 40 to 79, found that failing to maintain a regular sleep schedule can increase the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 26%.
While previous studies have emphasized the importance of getting between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, this new research focused on the significance of sleep patterns, specifically variations in the time individuals go to bed and wake up. Irregular sleep, characterized by going to bed and waking up at different times each day, was strongly linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular issues, even if participants were getting a full eight hours of sleep.
Lead author Jean-Philippe Chaput emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, recommending that individuals aim to wake up and go to sleep within 30 minutes of the same time each night and morning, including weekends. He noted that even small variations can have negative health impacts, with increased risks associated with irregular sleep becoming more pronounced the further away one deviates from a consistent schedule.
The study participants wore activity trackers for seven days to monitor their sleep patterns, with experts calculating a sleep regularity index (SRI) score for each individual. Those with lower SRI scores, indicating irregular sleep, were found to be significantly more likely to experience cardiovascular events compared to those with higher SRI scores and more regular sleep patterns.
Interestingly, the study found that maintaining a regular sleep schedule was more important than simply getting enough sleep. Even those who met the recommended sleep quotas were at a higher risk of stroke and heart attack if their sleep patterns were irregular. On the other hand, moderately irregular sleepers saw their risks decrease when they obtained adequate sleep.
While the study was observational and could not establish causation, the researchers concluded that sleep regularity may play a more significant role than sleep duration in influencing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep schedule for overall heart health.
In conclusion, the study highlights the need for individuals to prioritize a regular sleep routine to reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues. By making small adjustments to ensure consistent bed and wake-up times, individuals can potentially safeguard their heart health and well-being in the long run. So, it’s not just about how much you sleep but when you sleep that matters for your heart.
