The effect of sleep on heart function

😴War has changed our nights: sirens, stress, anxious thoughts. Getting enough sleep has become a real challenge, and sleep deprivation, as it turns out, can be another threat to the cardiovascular system.

Sleep deprivation increases the risk of heart disease.

A 2021 study in the European Heart Journal showed that people who sleep less than 6 hours a day have a higher risk of developing hypertension, arrhythmias, and heart attacks. This means that regular sleep deprivation can become an imperceptible but significant risk factor for your heart.

But sleeping too long is not an option either.

It was found that sleeping more than 9 hours a day is associated with a 28% increased risk of cardiovascular disease (Journal of the American Heart Association). Excessive sleep can be a sign of hidden health problems or disruptions in circadian rhythms.

Sleep in the realities of war: what to do?

We all experience stress and anxiety, which affect the quality of rest. It is impossible to control external circumstances, but you can try to minimize their impact on the cardiovascular system:

• Keep a stable routine - try to go to bed and wake up at the same time.
• Do not watch the news before going to bed - this increases the level of anxiety.
• If your sleep is interrupted, do not fall asleep with the news feed in your hands - it is better to listen to calm music or do breathing exercises.
• Move during the day - physical activity improves sleep and reduces stress levels.

 

💙 Your cardiovascular system works continuously, and quality rest is very important to restore its strength. If you feel tired, short of breath or notice heart malfunctions - do not ignore it! Make an appointment with experienced cardiologists at Docos Medical to check how your heart is working!

Self-medication can be harmful to your health.