Heart attacks are a alarmingly common among younger adults aged 25-40. This shift is attributed to modern lifestyle challenges such as hectic schedules, excessive screen time, high stress, and disrupted sleep patterns. Poor sleep, in particular, has emerged as a major contributor to heart-related illnesses among young people.
Sleep is essential for the body to repair tissues, restore hormonal balance, and regulate your health. According to Dr Nimit C Shah, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, South Mumbai, a consistent sleep schedule supports physical and mental well-being, while irregular or insufficient sleep disrupts these restorative processes. “Chronic sleep deprivation or irregular patterns have been linked to serious health issues, including hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and now, an increased risk of heart attacks,” he says.
Sleep is a critical pillar of cardiovascular health, suggests Dr Shah. “Poor sleep patterns lead to heightened stress levels, metabolic imbalances, and inflammation, all of which contribute to the early onset of heart disease. Addressing sleep disorders in younger adults is essential for reducing their risk of cardiac events,” he adds.
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Dr Shah shares the link between irregular sleep patterns, the risk of heart attack in young adults and tips for better sleep:
Sleep is vital for tissue repair, hormonal regulation, and protecting the heart. Disrupted sleep cycles interfere with these functions, leading to chronic conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, all of which are precursors to heart disease. Research shows that irregular sleep patterns significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and other cardiac events.
How sleep loss harms cardiovascular health:
Inflammation: Poor sleep triggers chronic inflammation, damaging blood vessels and increasing the risk of plaque formation, clotting, and heart attacks.
Blood pressure and heart rate variability: Quality sleep helps maintain normal blood pressure. Sleep disturbances, however, strain the heart and cause blood pressure to rise.
Metabolic dysregulation: Lack of sleep impairs glucose metabolism, reduces insulin sensitivity, and raises stress hormones, making individuals prone to diabetes and heart disease.
Disrupted circadian rhythm: Altering the body’s internal clock creates chronic stress, which undermines cardiovascular health.
Sympathetic nervous system overactivity: Irregular sleep activates the fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and inflammation, all of which are linked to heart disease.
Also read | 'Heart attack deaths in 40s & 50s are not new, but they are preventable'
Tips for better sleep and heart health
Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends. Consistency helps regulate your body’s internal clock, improving the quality of your sleep.
Optimise your sleep environment: ensure a dark, quiet room free of screens. A calm and distraction-free environment promotes deeper, uninterrupted sleep.
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and heavy meals before bedtime. These stimulants can disrupt your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Engage in regular physical activity to support better sleep. Exercise helps reduce stress and promotes natural tiredness at night.
Seek medical advice if sleep issues persist. Persistent sleep problems could indicate an underlying condition that needs professional attention.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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