Insomnia and heart health: What's the link?

A research has been done on link between insomnia and heart health (Joanna Szydlarska/EyeEm/Getty Images)
A research has been done on link between insomnia and heart health. (Pic via Getty Images/Joanna Szydlarska)

Sleep experts are emphasizing the importance of prioritizing sleep, as insomnia has been found to increase the risk of various health problems.

A recent study published in Clinical Cardiology revealed that it's a significant risk factor for heart attacks, with people who suffer from it being 69% more likely to experience one.

Chronic insomnia, which is characterized by difficulty in falling or staying asleep for more than three months, can be caused by several factors such as high-stress levels or chronic pain.


How insomnia and sleep affect health?

When people do not get enough sleep, it can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms and increase the risk for specific health problems.

These can include fatigue, sleepiness, mood changes, low attention, and decreased cognitive function. Studies have also shown that it's associated with cardiovascular and metabolic risks, like high blood pressure, heart attack, and diabetes.

According to Dr. Harneet Walia, director of Sleep Medicine and Continuous Improvement at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, it has a significant impact on an individual's quality of life and should be addressed as a vital heart attack risk factor.

Dr. Wafi Momin, a cardiologist with UTHealth Houston Heart & Vascular and Memorial Hermann, recommends getting at least seven hours of sleep each night to allow the body to recover and regulate blood pressure, sugar levels, and weight. This can help reduce risk of heart disease, like risk of heart attacks and strokes.


Insomnia and cardiovascular risk

Individuals who slept for five or fewer hours per night had a 56% higher risk of a heart attack than those who slept for seven to eight hours per night. (Pic via Getty Images/Milamai)
Individuals who slept for five or fewer hours per night had a 56% higher risk of a heart attack than those who slept for seven to eight hours per night. (Pic via Getty Images/Milamai)

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the relationship between sleeplessness and the incidence of heart attack in individuals over the age of 18.

The analysis included nine controlled observational studies with a total of 153,881 individuals with insomnia and 1,030,375 individuals without it from six different countries.

The results revealed that individuals were significantly more likely to experience a heart attack than those without insomnia, with a 69% increased risk. Furthermore, individuals who slept for five or fewer hours per night had a 56% higher risk of a heart attack than those who slept for 7-8 hours per night.

The study suggested that individuals, especially women with insomnia, should consider it a serious risk factor for heart attack and should be educated about the importance of sleep as a part of primary cardiovascular prevention guidelines.

However, the study had certain limitations, including variations in the sample sizes and study lengths among the included studies. Additionally, most of the studies relied on data from questionnaires, which may increase risk of bias and errors. Finally, the study only included papers written in English, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.


Taking steps for a better night’s sleep

A regular sleep schedule, avoiding electronics before bed can help insomnia. (Pic via Getty Images/Maria Korneeva)
A regular sleep schedule, avoiding electronics before bed can help insomnia. (Pic via Getty Images/Maria Korneeva)

The study emphasizes the importance of addressing and managing insomnia as a significant risk factor for heart attack.

Dr. Aiash, Ph.D., suggests that it should be treated as seriously as conditions like diabetes or hypertension to reduce the incidence of MI. He recommends that clinicians educate patients about the importance of sleep to maintain a healthy heart and encourage proper sleep hygiene.

To manage it, doctors may advise people to make lifestyle changes, like limiting screen time before bed and reducing caffeine intake at certain times of the day. These changes can be combined with cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques.

Dr. Walia recommends several key steps for good sleep hygiene, including maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding electronics before bed, limiting caffeine consumption, avoiding long naps in the afternoon, creating a conducive sleep environment, and engaging in physical activity and exercise during the day to promote sleep.


While the link between insomnia and heart health is complex and multifaceted, there's evidence to suggest that poor sleep quality can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.

It's important for individuals who experience insomnia to talk to their healthcare provider about strategies for improving their sleep quality and reduce their risk of heart disease.

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Edited by Bhargav
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