Irregular sleep schedules, regardless of sleep duration, are linked to an increased risk of major cardiovascular events.
Most people know that sleep quality matters, but few recognize the importance of consistent sleep schedules. Evidence suggests that inconsistent bedtime and wake-up routines could harm heart health. A recent study found that irregular sleep patterns increase the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes, even among people who get enough sleep overall.
Researchers analyzed data from more than 72,000 adults aged 40 to 79 participating in the UK Biobank study. Participants wore wrist devices for one week to track sleep patterns and regularity. The researchers categorized sleep regularity as irregular, moderately irregular, and regular, and linked these patterns to hospital and death records over eight years to assess the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure.
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People with irregular sleep schedules were 26% more likely to experience major cardiovascular events than those with regular sleep patterns, while those with moderately irregular sleep had an 8% higher risk. Meeting age-specific sleep duration recommendations helped lower the risk for moderately irregular sleepers but did not fully protect those with highly irregular sleep patterns.
These findings suggest that maintaining a consistent sleep schedule may be as important as getting enough sleep for cardiovascular health. Learn how to optimize your sleep in this Aliquot featuring Drs. Matt Walker, Satchin Panda, and Rhonda Patrick.