Did you know that people who sleep less than seven hours a day are at a greater risk of cardiovascular disease (including naps)? If you are one of those who sleeps less than five hours a day (including naps), you are more than doubling your risk for chest pains, heart attack or strokes, according to a study at West Virginia University’s faculty of medicine.
Those who are over 60 and sleep five hours or less per night were found to be at an even greater risk. Their risk more than tripled from those getting seven hours of sleep for developing cardiovascular disease. A study, published in the journal Sleep, also found that those who slept longer than seven hours also increased their risk of cardiovascular disease. It has been noted that the amount of sleep affects endocrine and metabolic functions.
Sleep deprivation can actually lead to high blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance, and reduced insulin sensitivity. These can lead to hardening of the arteries. Being fatigued can be a cause of not sleeping.
What are some causes of feeling fatigued?
1. Sleep disorder – such as sleep apnea
2. Eating too little or the wrong kinds of food
3. Anemia
4. Depression
5. Hypothyroidism
6. Too much caffeine
7. Diabetes
8. Dehydration
10. Food allergies
If you don’t get enough sleep during the work week, it is possible to make up sleep on weekends, but for severe sleep deprivation, it may not be enough. Lack of sleep also creates slower reaction times while driving and performing routine duties. So as a reminder, try to make sleep more of a priority for your heart and your health.
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