Why A Good Night’s Sleep Is Good For Your Heart

Are you having trouble sleeping? Do you wake up feeling tired?

If you’re one of the estimated 70 million Americans who suffer from a sleep disorder, you may have more to worry about than dozing off during the day. Studies have now linked poor sleep to high blood pressure, clogged arteries, heart failure and heart attack. For example, people who snore loudly are twice as likely to have the risk factors associated with heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Snoring is often a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially serious disorder that occurs when the muscles in the throat relax and block the airway. Responding to this decrease in oxygen, the brain sends signals that “tighten up” the blood vessels. This increases the flow of oxygen but also raises your blood pressure.

People with sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, such as insomnia and restless leg syndrome, are also more likely to experience weight gain, depression and other health problems. Fortunately, effective treatments are available. If you think you may have a sleep disorder, do your heart a favor. Talk to your doctor or contact the Sleep Disorder Center at Main Street Hospital.

Sources: Harvard Medical School