Just 3 Nights Of Poor Sleep May Raise Heart Disease Risk, New Study Warns

Numerous individuals frequently toil late into the night, employing expressions such as “burning the midnight oil” or “not sleeping for nights” to emphasize their dedication. Although these phrases stress exertion, they also pose health hazards, especially concerning sleep deprivation.

A recent study by researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden has discovered that getting only around four hours of sleep each night for three nights in a row can lead to alterations in blood that are linked to a higher risk of heart disease.

The research concentrated on inflammatory proteins present in the bloodstream. The body produces these molecules when it experiences stress or is combating illness. When these proteins stay elevated for an extended time, they can harm blood vessels and raise the risk of heart issues like heart failure, coronary artery disease, and irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation).

The study included 16 healthy young men who remained in a regulated lab setting. During their time there, their meals, physical activities, and light exposure were meticulously controlled to guarantee precise outcomes.

The subjects adhered to two schedules: three nights of regular sleep (8.5 hours) and three nights of limited sleep (4.25 hours). Following each sleep phase, the men engaged in a brief, high-intensity cycling session, and their blood was analyzed both before and after.

The research revealed that lack of sleep raises inflammatory markers associated with heart disease, even among young, healthy individuals. Following only a few nights of inadequate sleep, the body’s reaction to exercise, which typically enhances healthy proteins, was diminished. The research additionally discovered that protein levels fluctuated based on the time of day, showing larger differences when sleep was limited. This underscores the major influence of sleep.

The results indicate that even brief periods of sleep loss can pose significant health risks, highlighting the necessity of sufficient sleep for preserving heart health.