Healthy sleeping methods and their effects on the body: The role of sleep in preventing heart attack and stroke
Adequate sleep, typically ranging between seven to eight hours per night for the majority, serves as a protective factor against heart-related issues. This is attributed to its role in mitigating the impact of stress hormones, thereby maintaining blood vessels free from inflammation.
Recent research challenges the notion that consistently meeting this sleep duration is crucial, suggesting that a lack of it may be compensated for during days off. However, a global survey revealed that individuals in Britain only manage an average of 15 extra minutes of sleep on weekends, while in Finland, where extended lie-ins are more common, the increase is still only 26 minutes.
Despite the challenges in achieving sufficient weekend rest, previous studies have emphasized its significance. Additional sleep during weekends has been associated with preventing conditions such as obesity and depression. The researchers from Nanjing further underscore that weekend catch-up sleep is linked to a reduced risk of angina, stroke, and heart disease, particularly for those with insufficient sleep durations during the week.
The findings from Nanjing highlight that sleep is not merely a physiological necessity for rest but also plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health. This underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing sleep patterns in the context of overall well-being.