Sleep Like a Pro and Slash Your Heart Disease Risk by 20%

Written by Churnika Gudla

The study suggests that “catching up” on sleep during weekends could significantly lower the risk of heart disease, by up to 20%. This finding was based on data from over 90,000  participants in the UK Biobank project, who were tracked over an average of 14 years.  Researchers grouped participants based on their sleep habits, from those who had the most compensatory sleep to those who had the least. They found that those who made up for lost sleep had a reduced risk of heart disease compared to those with persistent sleep deprivation. 

However, experts warn that while catching up on sleep might provide temporary benefits, it’s not a substitute for a consistent sleep routine. Regular sleep deprivation can cause long-term health issues, including increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Sleep deprivation disrupts the body's natural circadian rhythm,  affecting hormone production and leading to insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure,  and increased stress hormones, all of which can contribute to heart disease. 

Consistent, quality sleep is crucial for maintaining overall health. Sleep supports heart health by aiding in vessel repair, regulating blood pressure, controlling inflammation,  and boosting immune function. Therefore, rather than relying on weekend catch-up sleep,  it's important to prioritize a regular sleep schedule and healthy sleep habits to prevent chronic conditions over time. 

References

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/catching-up-weekend-sleep-lower-heart-disease-risk-study#:~:text=regular%20sleep%20deprivation.-,%E2%80%9CCatching%20up%E2%80%9D%20on%20sleep%20over%20the%20weekend%20could%20reduce%20the,of%20Infectious%20Disease%20in%20China.

Written by Churnika Gudla from MEDILOQUY