Improved Cardiovascular Wellness: Insufficient Physical Activity to Counteract Impact of Inadequate Rest
Researchers from Uppsala University have revealed that poor sleep over just three nights can negatively impact heart health in young, healthy men. The study, published in a leading journal, foundthat short-term sleep deprivation increased biomarkers associated with inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
A crossover study was conducted, where participants underwent periods of poor sleep and healthy sleep. They discovered that three nights of inadequate sleep led to an increase in biomarkers linked to heart health issues.
Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults sleep at least seven hours a night, achieving this can be challenging due to stress or health conditions. The research aimed to understand the short-term effects of sleep deprivation on physiological factors.
During the study, participants spent three nights in a sleep lab for both restricted sleep (around 4.25 hours) and normal sleep (around 8.5 hours). Blood samples were taken in the morning, evening, and after high-intensity exercise to analyze 88 proteins related to cardiovascular disease.
At the end of the study, the researchers found that sleep restriction led to changes in participants' biomarkers, elevating proteins associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Exercise helped to some extent but did not completely negate the harm caused by short sleep duration.
According to the study's authors, the upregulated proteins included several stress, interleukin, and chemokine-related proteins. Although exercise-related beneficial proteins were elevated, improvements were less pronounced in participants with sleep restriction.
Interventional cardiologist Dr. Chen, speaking to Medical News Today, noted that the study revealed changes in blood chemistry associated with inflammation after a few nights of poor sleep, demonstrating a potential biological mechanism linking sleep deprivation to declining health. Dr. Chen highlighted that poor sleep can also negatively impact endocrine and immune functioning.
To improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of activating harmful proteins, doctors suggested maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine and alcohol late in the day, and practicing good sleep hygiene, including limiting long daytime naps, exercising regularly, and following a healthy diet.
Harneet Walia, MD, medical director of sleep at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, emphasized that the findings build upon previous research showing the associations between sleep restriction and cardiovascular health. Walia urged people to create a relaxing bedtime routine to help ensure a good night's sleep.
This research underscores the importance of adequate sleep in maintaining heart health, even among otherwise healthy individuals, and supports early detection and intervention strategies for managing sleep patterns and cardiovascular risks.
- Inadequate sleep over three nights can increase biomarkers linked to heart health issues, according to a study conducted by researchers from Uppsala University.
- The study found that short-term sleep deprivation increases biomarkers associated with inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
- Participants in the study spent three nights in a sleep lab for both restricted sleep and normal sleep, with blood samples taken to analyze 88 proteins related to cardiovascular disease.
- The researchers found that sleep restriction led to changes in participants' biomarkers, elevating proteins associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- To improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of activating harmful proteins, doctors suggested maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol late in the day, practicing good sleep hygiene, and following a healthy diet.
- This research highlights the importance of adequate sleep in maintaining heart health, and supports early detection and intervention strategies for managing sleep patterns and cardiovascular risks.
