Analyses & Studies
Focus Healthcare - How Sleep Deprivation Leads to Cardiovascular Diseases
Getting sufficient sleep is pivotal to health and wellbeing. But as many as 4 in 10 adults report experiencing sleeping difficulty. There are many health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, that can be caused or made worse by insufficient sleep.
What happens when we sleep?
When you are asleep, your body gets to re-charge, restore and repair. There are many sleep theories that indicate how this happens.
The ‘energy conservation theory’ of sleep suggests that sleeping allows us to function at a lower metabolism, saving energy. Research suggests that you save 35% of your daily energy by getting 8 hours sleep. This means that insufficient sleep means you preserve less energy and feel more tired and drained the next day.
The ‘brain plasticity theory’ tells us that sleep is crucial for brain function. Have you noticed that lack of sleep causes memory loss, cognitive issues and fewer problem-solving skills? This is because sleep allows the neurons in the brain to reorganize and for your brain’s glymphatic (waste clearance) system to get rid of toxic byproducts. It is also thought that sleep allows you to convert short term memories into long term memories and erases unneeded information.
As well as those already mentioned, sleep is also important in the restoration of the immune system and the regulation of insulin, blood pressure and weight.
How does sleep deprivation affect your heart?
A lack of sleep can correlate with the following cardiovascular conditions:
- Hypertension. Research has shown that a lack of sleep can elevate our blood pressure, and even a small increase in blood pressure can, over time, increase the chances of developing a cardiovascular disorder.
- Obesity. Sleep plays a role in metabolism and hormone regulation. This means that you might find it harder to lose weight if you are sleep deprived. Also, when you are sleep deprived, you are tempted to eat higher sugar foods to try and replace the lost energy and are less likely to exercise due to general fatigue. Obesity correlates with cardiovascular disease. It is also linked to high levels of visceral fat, higher cholesterol and higher blood pressure - all of which correlate with cardiovascular disease.
- Type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that a third of people with type 2 diabetes will be affected by a cardiovascular disease. Thankfully, type 2 diabetes is reversible as it is caused by diet.
- Stress. There is evidence that stress can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Stress can be caused by sleep deprivation - but can, ironically, also be the cause of your insomnia. For example, if you are stressed about work, you might experience chronic sleeplessness, which can then increase your stress levels further. It is important to try and break this cycle and resolve the core reason for your stress.
Here’s what the cardiovascular doctors say...
When you come for an appointment at the Harley Street Heart and Vascular Clinic, you will have a comprehensive consultation with a trained cardiologist specialist. They will ask you several lifestyle and medical questions. One of these will be about your sleep habits. It is important to answer as honestly and accurately as you can. Your sleep might well be impacting your heart health, and if your cardiologist specialist is aware of this, they can make recommendations to help improve your sleep and your heart health simultaneously.
Some of the suggestions they might have are:
- Practise good sleep hygiene. This means no screens before bed, no working from your bed, getting into a good nighttime routine and getting up at the same time each day.
- Consider supplements. This might be a natural remedy to help you doze off.
- Exercise. Even if you initially feel tired, exercise can help you get more sleep.
- Eat healthy food. A balanced diet containing plenty of protein and vegetables can help improve your sleep quality. You may also be advised to cut down on alcohol and caffeine consumption, as these can cause sleep problems.
The Bottom Line
Sleep plays a fundamental role in the quality of our overall health. A lack of sleep can affect every part of our bodies, including our brains, heart, and immune system. It is vital that you get a good night’s sleep on a regular basis to keep on top of your general health. If you are struggling with sleep for a long period of time, it is time to get some help
By Dr Reginald Liew, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, The Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre
