Can your lack of good sleep be affecting your cardiovascular health? Learn about the connection between heart health and sleep.
While most people focus on exercise and dieting as a way to improve heart health, sleep is also important. Since sleep is essential for the body to recuperate, a lack of it (or interrupted sleep) can affect your energy and heart.
The following is an overview of the different ways in which sleep deprivation can negatively impact your heart.
Sleep and Your Health
When you have normal, healthy sleep, your blood pressure naturally drops by about 10% to 20%. However, poor sleep prevents this from happening and studies suggest this elevated nighttime blood pressure is linked to overall hypertension.
Moreover, sleep deprivation may contribute to atherosclerosis, which is plaque buildup in the arteries. As a result, your risk for coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S., increases.
Sleep deprivation is also tied to heart failure. According to an observational study of over 400,000 people, individuals who sleep less than seven hours per night have an increased risk of heart failure. In addition, poor sleep can increase your risk for heart attacks and stroke.
Some studies suggest that sleeping less than six hours per night can increase your risk for a heart attack by 20%. Furthermore, recent studies show a link between the high blood pressure that results from poor sleep and strokes.
Another area of your life that may be affected is your weight, as studies show a correlation between lack of sleep and obesity. Poor sleep also worsens your glucose metabolism and is associated with prediabetes.
Finally, sleep deprivation can affect both your heart rate and lead to chest pain (angina). Your heart rate naturally drops during normal, healthy sleep, but abrupt awakenings can result in a sharp uptick. As a result, you may experience an irregular heartbeat and heart palpitations.
Improving Your Sleep
While there is no one solution, you can try different strategies until you find the one that works for you. For example, you can practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing and yoga to help you sleep better.
You can also try keeping a consistent sleep schedule where you go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. In addition, you can create a good sleeping environment by using a comfortable pillow and mattress. Also, make sure you avoid doing certain things before going to sleep like drinking alcohol and caffeine or using electronic devices.
If you want to give your heart health an extra boost, you can take supplements like HeartBeet Complete. Its ingredients are effective at promoting circulation, blood pressure health, energy levels, and more. Give your heart the support it deserves by getting some quality sleep and taking HeartBeet Complete.
