The benefits for your heart of a good sleep
7 February 2003
Long-term sleep deprivation may increase the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), a large US study shows.
Sympathetic overactivity (overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system often associated with stress), increases in blood pressure or decreased glucose tolerance (reduced ability to process glucose) could explain the link, the authors wrote (Archives of Internal Medicine 2003; 163: 205-09).
Data from 71,617 women enrolled in the Nurses Health Study showed those who were getting 5 or fewer hours sleep a night had a 39 per cent increased risk of CHD at 10-year follow-up compared to those on 8 hours sleep.
Six hours of sleep was linked to an 18 per cent increased risk of CHD, as was sleeping 9 hours.
The link between sleep and CHD persisted after adjusting for age, smoking, obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors.
However, the researchers were unable to explain the link between sleeping a long time and increased risk of CHD.
Last Reviewed: 07 February 2003
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 7/02/02
