The Importance of Sleep Regularity for Heart Health

Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for our overall well-being. However, it’s not just about how much sleep we get, but when we get it. New research shows that irregular sleep patterns can significantly increase the risk of heart-related issues like stroke and heart attacks.

How Irregular Sleep Affects Your Heart

A study conducted on 72,269 UK adults found that those with inconsistent sleep patterns had a 26% higher risk of heart disease, including strokes and heart attacks, compared to those with regular sleep schedules. This was true even if the individuals were getting the recommended amount of sleep.

What Is Sleep Regularity?

Researchers tracked participants’ sleep using activity trackers and created a “Sleep Regularity Index” (SRI) score. This score measured factors like bedtime, wake-up time, sleep duration, and nighttime wake-ups. Participants were grouped based on their SRI score into three categories: irregular, moderately irregular, and regular sleepers.

The study found that people with regular sleep patterns (SRI score above 87.3) had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular events. In contrast, irregular sleepers (SRI score below 71.6) were much more likely to experience heart problems, regardless of how many hours they slept.

The Connection Between Sleep and Inflammation

Irregular sleep patterns can trigger inflammation in the body, which can lead to fatty build-up in the arteries and disrupt the circadian rhythm. This rhythm is closely linked to functions like blood pressure, and any disruption can increase the risk of heart disease.

Sleep Duration vs. Sleep Regularity

The study also emphasized that regular sleep patterns may be more important than just getting enough sleep. While 61% of regular sleepers met the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep, only 48% of irregular sleepers did. Interestingly, even those irregular sleepers who managed to get enough sleep were still at a higher risk of heart issues.

Conclusion: Why Consistent Sleep Is Key

Experts suggest that maintaining a regular sleep schedule can be just as, if not more, important than ensuring you get enough sleep. Emily McGrath, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, explains that disturbed sleep is linked to higher levels of a protein called CRP, which indicates inflammation and is associated with heart disease.

By focusing on sleep regularity, not only can we improve our sleep quality, but we can also protect our heart health in the long run.