According to research, about 800,000 people have a heart attack every year in the United States. Some of the major causes of heart attacks include coronary heart disease and hypoxia. But one of the lesser-known causes of heart attacks is lack of sleep.
The question is, can lack of sleep cause a heart attack?
There is a lot of debate surrounding the relationship between sleep and heart disease. Some experts say that lack of sleep can lead to a heart attack, while others claim that there is no evidence to support this claim.
So, what is the truth? In this blog post, we’ll explore the link between sleep and heart health and determine whether lack of sleep can actually cause a heart attack.
How Does Sleep Affect Heart Health?
While the link between sleep and heart health is still being studied, there are some interesting theories out there. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Weight Gain or Poor Diet
According to a recent study, people who slept less than six hours a night were more likely to have hardening of the arteries than those who got seven or eight hours.
So, what’s the connection? It turns out that sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain or a poor diet.
When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more of the hormone ghrelin. Ghrelin is responsible for increasing appetite.
At the same time, the body produces less leptin. Leptin is a hormone that suppresses appetite. So, when you don’t get enough sleep, you’re more likely to eat more than you should.
This can lead to weight gain, which can, in turn, lead to heart disease.
Production of the Stress Hormone Cortisol
Another theory suggests that when we don’t get enough sleep, our bodies produce more of the stress hormone cortisol.
Cortisol can cause inflammation in the body, and over time, this can lead to heart disease. Additionally, cortisol can make it difficult to lose weight and can contribute to high blood pressure.
Inflammation in the Body
Sleep deprivation can cause inflammation in the body, a risk factor for heart disease. Studies have shown that people who sleep less than six hours a night are more likely to have higher levels of inflammatory markers in their blood.
These markers can damage the lining of the arteries, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup and heart attacks. This means that, even if you’re not technically sleep-deprived, if you’re not getting enough quality sleep, you may still be at risk for heart disease.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including sleep deprivation.
A recent study found that people who slept less than six hours are twice as likely to develop heart failure as those who slept seven or eight hours. It also puts the risk of developing congestive heart failure at 70%.
That said, you can do many things to prevent heart failure, one of which is addressed by Kenneth Chien.
Type 2 Diabetes
According to research, lack of sleep also causes type 2 diabetes, which is yet another risk factor for heart disease. You see, losing as much as two hours of sleep decreases glucose tolerance and increases resistance to insulin.
High blood sugar also increases cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure, which damage the blood vessels and nerves. This makes people with diabetes more likely to get a heart attack.
How Sleep Disorders Affect Heart Health
Many different sleep disorders can affect heart health. Let’s take a deeper look at how some sleep disorders can impact heart health and result in heart attacks.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA is a sleep disorder that can cause your heart to work harder. When you have OSA, your airway becomes blocked during sleep. This can cause your blood pressure to rise, which can strain your heart.
Sleep apnea is known to cause irregular heartbeats, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. This essentially means that people with OSA may be at increased risk for heart disease and stroke.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. If you have insomnia, you may be at increased risk for heart disease.
This is because insomnia can lead to high blood pressure and heart rate. It can also make it difficult to manage other health conditions, such as diabetes.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
RLS is a sleep disorder that can cause your legs to feel uncomfortable. This can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. If you have RLS, you may be at increased risk for heart disease because it can lead to high blood pressure and heart rate.
How Much Sleep Should You Get to Avoid a Heart Attack?
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
However, some people may not know whether they’re getting enough. Some sleep deprivation symptoms you may not be aware of include fatigue, irritability, mood changes, lower sex drive, and difficulty focusing.
If you’re at risk for heart disease, getting enough sleep is essential. If you have a sleep disorder, it’s also important to get treated.
This can help improve your overall health and reduce your risk of heart disease. If you’re concerned about your risk of a heart attack, talk to your doctor.
Can Lack of Sleep Cause a Heart Attack?
Are you still asking “can lack of sleep cause a heart attack? Well, while we can’t say for sure, there is definitely a correlation between the two.
If you’re suffering from insomnia or another sleep disorder, it’s crucial to seek treatment. Not only will you feel better, but you may also be reducing your risk of heart disease.
If you’re worried about your heart health, be sure to talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your risk factors and develop a plan to reduce your risk of heart disease.
That said, if you found this article informative and would like more, head over to our blog section today.
