Irregular sleep patterns may raise risk of heart attack and stroke, study suggests

Sleep Irregularity Linked to Heart Attack and Stroke Risk #

New research highlights the risks associated with irregular sleep patterns, even among individuals who get the recommended amount of sleep. Traditionally, sleep studies have focused on duration, but recent findings emphasize the importance of sleep consistency.

For seven days, scientists tracked the sleep activity of 72,269 participants aged 40 to 79 who had no history of major cardiovascular events. Each participant received a Sleep Regularity Index (SRI) score, with higher scores indicating more regular sleep patterns.

Over eight years, instances of cardiovascular death, heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes were monitored. It was found that individuals with irregular sleep patterns were 26% more likely to experience these cardiovascular issues compared to regular sleepers. This percentage accounts for factors like age, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking, although the study only established a link, not causation.

People with higher SRI scores more frequently met the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep for adults aged 18-64 and seven to eight hours for those over 65. Sixty-one percent of regular sleepers adhered to these recommendations, compared to 48% of irregular sleepers. Despite meeting sleep recommendations, those with irregular schedules still faced increased cardiovascular risks.

“Our results suggest that sleep regularity may be more relevant than sufficient sleep duration,” the study stated. It suggests maintaining bedtimes and wake-up times within 30 to 60 minutes of one’s regular schedule to align with the body’s natural circadian rhythm.

“Consistent sleep patterns improve sleep quality, boost mood and cognitive function, and lower health risks like heart disease and diabetes.” It is warned that catching up on sleep during weekends does not completely negate the effects of weekday sleep deprivation. While extra weekend sleep may temporarily enhance mood and cognition, irregular patterns can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to long-term health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

“Ongoing efforts aim to establish healthy sleep guidelines to emphasize the importance of sleep as an essential component of well-being,” the study advocates, in a call to reframe societal views on sleep from a non-essential activity to a critical part of health. However, some experts caution against attributing health outcomes solely to sleep patterns, suggesting lifestyle factors could also be significant contributors.