Recent research has highlighted a startling connection between short-term sleep deprivation and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. According to a study published in Biomarker Research, missing only three consecutive nights of sufficient sleep can significantly raise the chances of heart attack, stroke, and atrial fibrillation.
Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining overall health, a fact recognized by the NHS, which recommends adults aim for seven to nine hours every night. While previous research has associated chronic insomnia and disrupted sleep with a variety of health concerns such as obesity and cognitive decline, this new study reveals that even brief periods of poor sleep can have immediate consequences on heart health.
The researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden conducted the study on 16 healthy young men with good sleep habits and normal weight. During controlled laboratory sessions, participants experienced two different sleep conditions: one with regular sleep and another restricted to about four hours per night for three nights. Throughout the experiment, their activity and diet were carefully regulated.
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Blood samples taken before and after high-intensity exercise evaluated changes in around 90 blood proteins. The study discovered that sleep deprivation caused an increase in proteins associated with inflammation, many of which are linked to higher cardiovascular disease risk including heart failure and coronary artery disease.
Jonathan Cedernaes, physician and docent at Uppsala University and the study lead, emphasized the widespread concern: “Nearly half of all Swedes regularly experience disturbed sleep, especially shift workers. We sought to understand the biological mechanisms by which sleep loss increases cardiovascular risk.” He added, “Notably, these protein changes were evident even in young, healthy individuals after just a few nights of poor sleep, underscoring the importance of prioritizing good sleep early in life.”
Interestingly, the study also showed that physical exercise can mitigate some detrimental effects of sleep loss. Jonathan noted, “Exercise helps offset some negative impacts of poor sleep, but it cannot replace sleep’s essential functions.”
To promote better sleep, the NHS advises maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a restful environment, limiting caffeine and screen time before bed, and seeking medical advice if sleep problems persist or affect daily functioning.
This research reinforces the critical importance of adequate sleep for cardiovascular health and overall well-being.