Like sleeping in on the weekends? We have good (and bad) news for your health

If you’re someone who likes sleeping in on the weekends, there is some good news for you. Sleeping in is good for your heart, according to a new study published in the journal Sleep Health.

Researchers from Nanjing Medical University in China delved into data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a comprehensive compilation of information from over 3,400 adults aged 20 years and older between 2017 and 2018.

By scrutinising sleep patterns on weekdays and weekends and correlating them with instances of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, the study revealed that individuals who extended their sleep by at least one hour on weekends exhibited lower rates of cardiovascular diseases, particularly stroke, coronary heart disease, and angina. The most significant risk reduction was observed in those who slept less than six hours on weekdays and compensated with an additional two hours of sleep on weekends.

Dr Shaadab Ahmed Mohammed, consultant – cardiology, CARE Hospitals, Malakpet, Hyderabad, explained that when people accumulate a sleep deficit during the week due to busy schedules or insufficient rest, allowing for longer sleep on weekends might help the body recover and reduce stress. “This, in turn, could positively impact cardiovascular health by addressing potential imbalances caused by insufficient sleep.”

What is the link between better sleep and reduced heart problems?

The link between sleep and heart attacks lies in the intricate interplay between sleep quality and cardiovascular health.

According to Dr Mohammed, chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to conditions such as hypertension, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. Over time, these factors elevate the risk of heart attacks.

Adequate and regular sleep is crucial for maintaining the proper functioning of physiological processes that impact the cardiovascular system.

The benefits of obtaining better sleep extend beyond preventing heart attacks. Improved cognitive function, mood stability, and a bolstered immune system are among the positive outcomes, said Dr Mohammed. He added that quality sleep is associated with a reduced risk of other chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. Overall, prioritising good sleep hygiene contributes significantly to both physical and mental well-being.

However, it’s important to note that weekend sleep may not completely compensate for inadequate sleep during weekdays. A number of studies have found that sleeping for even 10 hours per night over the weekend might not be enough to get your cognitive ability running at its maximum.

The body functions optimally with consistent sleep patterns, and irregular sleep schedules can disrupt circadian rhythms and metabolic processes, Dr Mohammed noted. “The inability to fully recover on weekends may be attributed to the intricate nature of the body’s internal clock and its response to irregular sleep patterns.”

Reference Link

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/sleeping-in-weekends-heart-health-9078948/