Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulties in falling and staying asleep. Individuals suffering from insomnia often awake feeling fatigued and struggle to manage their daily activities.
Common symptoms associated with insomnia include fatigue, sleepiness during the day, irritability, and a lack of concentration. These symptoms contribute to a stressful lifestyle that could negatively impact heart health.
Insomnia, a state of hyperarousal, is distinct from insufficient sleep, which occurs when a person's lifestyle or long work hours prevent adequate sleep. Unlike insomniacs, if given the chance, these individuals could easily fall asleep.
A decade-long Taiwanese study involving 44,000 participants diagnosed with insomnia revealed a higher incidence of stroke and heart attack compared to a sample of individuals with matched health, age, and sex.
Furthermore, three other recent studies also underscored the strong correlation between insomnia and the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to cardiovascular disease.
Why Insomnia Impacts Heart Health
There is substantial evidence linking sleep and hypertension. A good night's sleep can reduce heart rate and blood pressure, both of which, when high, can strain the heart and lead to a heart attack.
Moreover, insomnia is believed to modify metabolism and endocrine function while increasing inflammation levels – factors that elevate the risk of degenerative disorders, including cardiovascular disease and stroke.
The Importance of Adequate Sleep from an Early Age
Recent studies on teenagers' sleep patterns found a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life among adolescents who did not get enough sleep.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal highlighted that 48% of the 4,100 teenage participants with poor sleep quality were either overweight or had elevated blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
One theory suggests that sleep deprivation could negatively impact hormones regulating appetite and fat metabolism. Poor sleep quality, in this study, was defined as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and restlessness.
At least half of the teenagers in these studies got less than seven hours of sleep a night during the week, compared to the recommended eight or nine hours of sleep for this age group.
Sleep Apnea vs Insomnia
Sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by repeated breathing pauses and frequent wakefulness during sleep, has received increasing attention recently. Studies have shown that individuals with sleep apnea are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease than those who have regular, restful sleep.
The American College of Cardiology reports that about 4% of men and 2% of women in America have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. However, they believe the actual number is likely higher. By contrast, severe chronic insomnia reportedly affects 30% of Americans.
While occasional bouts of insomnia are quite common, prescription sleep medications, known for their severe side effects like daytime sleepiness and memory issues, should not be the first solution. These side effects often lead to carelessness and accidents.
