Struggling With Inadequate Sleep? Everything You Need To Know About Your Cardiovascular Health and Sleep Disorders

Sleep is more than just rest; it’s a foundation of overall health. However, for millions worldwide, achieving quality sleep is an elusive dream. With high paced life and lifestyle, sleep disorders are often seen as inconveniences, and can have serious repercussions on cardiovascular health. If you’re struggling to get enough rest, here’s why it’s time to pay closer attention.

In an exclusive interaction with Onlymyhealth, Dr Aparna Jaswal, Director – Electrophysiology & Cardiac Pacing, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, shared the connection between sleep and our cardiovascular health. “Sleep is the body’s time to repair and rejuvenate. During deep sleep stages, your heart rate slows, blood pressure drops, and the cardiovascular system gets much-needed recovery time. Conversely, sleep disruptions or inadequate sleep can upset this balance, putting extra strain on your heart,” she explained.

Research also linked sleep deprivation to increased risks of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Dr Jaswal highlighted that this is because poor sleep can lead to:

Increased blood pressure
Inflammation
Disrupted stress hormones

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Common Sleep Disorders That Impact Cardiovascular Health

Certain sleep disorders are especially harmful to the heart:

1. Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnea causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to oxygen drops in the blood. This stresses the heart and can result in hypertension, arrhythmias, and an elevated risk of heart attacks. Signs to watch for:

Loud snoring
Gasping or choking during sleep
Excessive daytime fatigue

2. Insomnia

Chronic insomnia, or difficulty falling or staying asleep, has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Insomniacs often experience heightened stress and anxiety levels, compounding heart-related risks. Signs to watch for:

Difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep
Waking up feeling unrefreshed
Mood changes or irritability

3. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

RLS causes uncontrollable urges to move the legs, disrupting sleep and potentially leading to long-term cardiovascular issues due to insufficient rest. Signs to watch for:

Tingling sensations in the legs
Nighttime restlessness
Sleep disturbances

How Much Sleep Is Enough?

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 7-9 hours of quality sleep for most adults. Teenagers and children require even more. Consistency in sleep schedules and quality rest are crucial for maintaining a healthy heart.

Bottomline

Good sleep is essential for a healthy heart. If you’re struggling to get adequate rest, it’s not just your energy levels that are at stake but also your cardiovascular health. Taking steps to improve sleep quality and addressing any underlying sleep disorders could be the key to a healthier, longer life.

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