You must have heard that getting proper sleep is important for your mind and body. But it’s equally important for your heart health too. We juggle a lot in our daily lives and build too much stress. In the process, we look at sleep only as a way to rest and rejuvenate ourselves.
However, the importance of sleep isn’t limited to just that. The kind of sleep that you get plays a role in your overall well-being, especially in the well-being of your heart. There’s a deep connection between sleep and the health of your heart.
So, let’s explore more and understand why getting proper sleep is essential for you and your heart.
A] Connection Between Your Heart And Sleep
People who sleep well and get enough rest experience a better functioning of their heart. However, if you get inadequate sleep, you might start developing various cardiovascular diseases.
Most people think that getting proper sleep is only a luxury. But it’s more than just that because your body undergoes a lot of repair work when you doze off.
Let’s take a look at how the power of sleep impacts your heart health:
- Various studies have shown that people who sleep for less than seven hours per day are at a greater risk of developing heart problems. So, the duration of your sleep is very important. You should try to get at least 7 hours for your sleep.
- Apart from the number of hours you sleep, you should also get quality sleep. Most people try to lie down on their bed for 7-8 hours but often wake up in between or become restless. If you have disruptive or restless sleep patterns, you might develop certain heart conditions.
B] Heart Diseases That Arise Due To Poor Sleep
You become a victim of the below-mentioned heart diseases if you ignore the importance of getting poor sleep.
Different Types Of Health Issues
1. Chronic High BP
When you sleep, your blood pressure gets back to normal. But if you don’t get enough quality sleep, your blood pressure will stay high for a long time and might even turn into a chronic condition. Eventually, you might face the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
2. Coronary Artery Disease
Poor sleeping patterns can lead to coronary artery disease. This disease leads to blockage in your arteries, which might affect the proper flow of blood in your body. Since you have a low blood flow, there are chances that you might suffer from a stroke.
3. Heart Failure
Not sleeping properly for a long time can even lead to heart failure. Sleep deprivation can weaken your heart over time. At some point in time, your heart will stop pumping blood effectively. You’ll feel more tired and experience shortness of breath.
4. Stroke
Sleep also has an effect on your blood vessels. A lack of restful sleep can narrow down your blood vessels. Poor sleep quality can also lead to blood clot formation.
5. Inflammation
A lack of proper sleep can also trigger inflammation in the body. Inflammation is the major cause of many heart diseases. For instance, if you develop information in your arteries, it can lead to atherosclerosis. Systemic inflammation is very dangerous to your heart health.
6. Obesity
Obesity is often linked to a lack of proper sleep. If you sleep less than usual, you might end up disrupting the hormones that regulate your appetite. So, you feel more hungry and eventually consume more than what you burn. So, you gain more weight and enter into a state of obesity.
Obesity can cause heart diseases like heart attacks and even heart failure in some cases.
7. Diabetes
A poor sleeping schedule can affect the blood sugar regulation in your body. So, there is an increased risk that you might develop type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can further impact your heart health.
Different Types Of Sleep Disorders
Most people can’t get proper sleep because they undergo several sleep disorders. Let’s take a look at these disorders and how you can prevent them.
1. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common condition that leads to intermittent breathing while you sleep. It’s directly linked to heart disease as there is a constant oxygen shortage in your body. So, your heart is under a recurring state of stress. It can cause severe cardiovascular problems.
2. Insomnia
Developing chronic insomnia can cause heart-related issues. Insomnia is the inability to fall or stay asleep for a long time. Insomnia can cause hypertension and other health problems.
3. Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes you an irresistible urge to move your legs. This urge often arises when you sleep. So, you end up disrupting your sleep patterns and affecting your sleep quality.
C] Tips For Better Sleep
Here are some tips to improve your sleep schedule and maintain your heart health:
- First, create a sleep routine and follow it consistently. Having a consistent sleep schedule will help your body build an internal clock so that you fall asleep at the same time every day.
- Most of us can’t sleep well because we do not create a comfortable sleeping environment. So, build a conducive environment where you can fall asleep faster and uninterrupted.
- Avoid taking any stimulants such as coffee or energy drinks before you go off to sleep. You should also try avoiding any screen time when you go to your bed.
- Managing stress and anxiety will also help you get a good quality sleep. Stress and anxiety often interfere with quality sleep. So, you can practice some relaxation techniques and alleviate your stress.
- Get in lots of physical activity to improve your sleep quality. Indulging in physical activity will also help you boost your heart health.
Wrapping It Up
Don’t make the mistake of considering sleep a mere luxury. It’s your basic necessity and you should prioritize your sleep so that you can maintain your heart health.
To maintain your overall health, you should sleep for a sufficient time. But it’s also essential that you consider the quality of sleep that you are getting.
If you get proper rest, you can reduce the risk of heart-related issues. Additionally, you should also try to address any sleep disorders that might affect your sleeping patterns.
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