Here’s more evidence that supports the notion that we need seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Sleeping less than six hours a night can increase your risk of atherosclerosis – hardening of the arteries as a result of a build-up of plaque.
To achieve their findings, the researchers looked at parameters of atherosclerosis among middle-aged individuals along with sleep trends, conventional atherosclerosis risk factors, psychosocial risk factors, dietary habits, and inflammation.
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Dr. Fernando Dominguez and colleagues wrote, “Sleep deficiency is highly prevalent in Western societies, and epidemiological studies suggest that not only short but also long sleep duration is related to an increased cardiovascular risk.”
The study looked at 3,974 participants who were placed in different groups based on how much sleep they achieved: less than six hours, six to seven hours, seven to eight hours, and over eight hours.
The researchers performed carotid and femoral 3D vascular ultrasounds and computed tomography angiograms (CTAs) to identify atherosclerosis.
After adjusting for traditional atherosclerosis factors, short sleep duration was associated with a higher risk of atherosclerosis.
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The researchers wrote in conclusion, “Overall, our findings support the potential role of healthy sleeping in protecting against atherosclerosis. Thus, recommending good sleep hygiene should be part of the lifestyle modifications provided in our daily clinical practice.”
Therefore, if you are looking to protect your heart and reduce your risk of atherosclerosis, then finding ways to get more sleep may be your first step.
Also read:
- Essential oils for sleep: 13 ways to get the best sleep ever
- Yoga for sleep: Simple yoga exercises for restful sleep
- Atherosclerosis prevention: natural home remedies, diet, and exercise
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
