A recent study has found that insomnia and inadequate sleep are linked to a higher risk of heart attack. The study, which involved over 1.2 million participants, found that women are more susceptible to heart attacks than men. Chronic insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder in the US, affecting 10-30% of the population.
Thirteen percent of participants in the study reported experiencing insomnia, with heart attacks occurring in 2,406 of these individuals during the nine-year follow-up period. In comparison, 12,398 non-insomniacs suffered heart attacks during the same period. The study also showed that getting less than six hours of sleep per night increases the risk of a heart attack by 1.38 to 1.56 times.
Lack of Sleep Increases Heart Attack Risk
Yomna E. Dean, a medical student and study author, suggests that we do not prioritize sleep as much as we should, with insomnia becoming more of a life choice than an illness. The study also found that excessive sleep may be harmful, with no discernible difference in heart attack risk between those sleeping five hours or less and those sleeping nine or more hours per night.
Heart attacks are a significant cause of mortality in the US, occurring every 40 seconds. The study’s findings underscore the importance of prioritizing sleep to reduce the risk of heart attacks, particularly for those with chronic insomnia.
The study also found that insomnia and lack of sleep may increase the risk of developing other cardiovascular problems, such as stroke and heart failure. This highlights the importance of getting enough sleep not only to reduce the risk of heart attack but also to maintain overall heart health. The researchers suggest that individuals should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In addition to insomnia, sleep apnea is another sleep disorder that has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, leading to decreased oxygen levels in the body. This can cause a strain on the heart and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Treating sleep apnea through methods such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Finally, the study emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to screen for and treat sleep disorders, particularly in women who may have a higher risk of insomnia. This can involve providing education on good sleep habits, recommending behavioral therapy, or prescribing medication in certain cases. By addressing sleep disorders, healthcare professionals can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve overall health outcomes for their patients.
