A recent study from the University of Sydney and Southern Denmark University reveals that poor sleep can significantly increase the risk of heart disease and decrease cardiovascular health, sometimes by as much as seven years, potentially leading to premature death. Analyzing data from over 300,000 middle-aged adults in the UK Biobank, researchers found that sleep disturbances, including insomnia and sleep-related breathing disorders, are directly linked to impaired cardiovascular health later in life. Men and women with these issues may lose over seven years of cardiovascular disease-free life. The study categorized sleep quality into poor, intermediate, and healthy, with those in higher categories experiencing better heart health. It was noted that general sleep issues like snoring and difficulty sleeping can indicate future health risks. The findings stress the critical need to integrate sleep quality into public health policies, viewing it as equally important as physical activity and nutrition. Lead author Dr. Bo-Huei Huang and Professor Peter Cistulli emphasize that recognizing the importance of sleep could lead to improved health outcomes. Overall, this research serves as a wake-up call to prioritize sleep in health discussions and policies. The study was published in BMC Medicine and funded by various academic and health organizations.
