Research suggests that a good night’s sleep helps to keep your arteries healthy. The latest evidence suggests that sleep can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis – hardening of the arteries. When arteries become stiff, it increases the risk of a cardiovascular event.
The researchers studied the development of atherosclerosis in mice. They found that sleep-deprived mice had more plaque along their arteries than mice that slept well. Sleep-deprived mice also had more inflammatory cells and lower hypocretin, which is a brain hormone that controls wakefulness.
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After the mice received a supplement of hypocretin, there was a reduction of atherosclerosis and inflammatory cells.
Senior study author Filip K. Swirski explained, “We’ve identified a mechanism by which a brain hormone controls production of inflammatory cells in the bone marrow in a way that helps protect the blood vessels from damage.”
It has been well documented that sleep is an integral part of health, so it’s not a surprise that a lack of sleep can hurt your arteries.
Plaque from atherosclerosis doesn’t form overnight, but over the course of years with a build-up of calcium, lipids, cholesterol, and other substances. As plaque builds up, it prevents the flow of oxygenated and nutrient-dense blood, which can contribute to health problems including coronary heart disease.
The study adds more evidence to the importance of sleep. If you’re struggling with getting a good night’s sleep, there are natural remedies to try such as meditation, yoga, creating a bedtime routine, avoiding the use of technology before bed, ensuring your bedroom is cool, and drinking a warm tea before bed. If these natural techniques are unsuccessful, then speak to your doctor about a possible diagnosis of an underlying health problem preventing you from sleeping.
If you have other risk factors for a cardiovascular event, then it is even more critical that you work on improving your sleep to reduce your risk more so.
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
