A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that older adults who experience poor sleep patterns may face an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis. The research highlights the significance of maintaining consistent sleep routines and sheds light on the potential health consequences of disrupted sleep.
Atherosclerosis is a condition characterised by the buildup of fatty deposits, or plaques, on artery walls. Over time, these plaques can rupture, leading to blood clots that may block arteries and potentially cause heart attacks or strokes. Furthermore, the narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup restricts blood flow, reducing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
The study involved a diverse group of 2,000 participants ranging from 45 to 84 years old. To evaluate the connection between irregular sleep patterns and the presence of arterial plaques, participants wore wrist devices to track their sleep and completed sleep diaries. In-home sleep studies were also conducted to assess sleep disorders and heart rate during sleep.
The findings revealed that individuals who experienced significant variations in sleep duration, exceeding two hours within a single week, were 1.4 times more likely to have high coronary artery calcium scores. Additionally, they were 1.12 times more likely to have plaque buildup in their neck arteries and twice as likely to have abnormal results from the arteries in their ankles compared to those with more consistent sleep durations.
Similarly, participants with irregular sleep timings, falling asleep at different times by more than 90 minutes within a week, were 1.43 times more likely to have high coronary artery calcium scores when compared to those with a variance of 30 minutes or less within a week.
However, the study did not find a significant association between irregular sleep duration and abnormal thickness in the layers of the neck arteries. Furthermore, there was limited evidence linking sleep timing irregularities with other markers of cardiovascular disease.
Experts in the field emphasise the well-established link between sleep apnoea and cardiovascular disease. They highlighted the study’s unique focus on regularity and duration of sleep. Disturbances in sleep regularity can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which in turn affects inflammation, glucose metabolism, and sympathetic neurohormonal response – all factors known to contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Poor sleep quality, abnormal quantities, and fragmented sleep have been associated with various cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. To promote cardiovascular health, the American Heart Association recommends that adults aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night as part of their Life’s Essential 8 key recommendations.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of establishing healthy sleep habits, particularly among older adults. Consistency is key; maintaining a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day can help improve sleep quality. Additionally, creating an optimal sleep environment involves removing electronic devices from the bedroom, ensuring a comfortable temperature, and minimising stimuli such as light and noise.
