A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health has found a concerning link between irregular sleep patterns and an increased risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. The study, which included over 72,000 individuals between the ages of 40 and 79, found that even when individuals got enough sleep, irregular sleep patterns significantly raised their risk of cardiovascular events.
The study looked at both sleep duration and sleep regularity, with researchers finding that sleep regularity, or consistently waking up and going to bed at the same time every day, was a stronger predictor of major cardiovascular events than sleep duration. Individuals with irregular sleep patterns had a 26% increased risk of major cardiovascular events, while those with moderately irregular sleep had an 8% increased risk.
Interestingly, the study found that even meeting sleep duration recommendations did not eliminate the increased risk for those with irregular sleep schedules. This highlights the importance of prioritizing sleep regularity in public health guidelines and clinical care to support cardiovascular health.
Experts recommend establishing a regular sleep schedule by waking up and going to bed at the same times every day, including weekends. Other tips include limiting screen time before bed, creating a wind-down routine, and making sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
While getting on a regular sleep schedule may take some adjustments, the findings of this study are actionable and provide valuable insights into the importance of sleep regularity for overall health. It is crucial for individuals to prioritize their sleep patterns and take steps to ensure they are getting enough rest on a consistent basis.
