Khaberni - Many underestimate the importance of sufficient sleep and are content with only five to six hours of rest, despite the fact that chronic sleep deprivation causes serious problems in the body.
Dr. Natalia Zolotareva, a cardiologist, indicates that lack of sleep negatively affects the health of the heart and blood vessels.
She explained that the body goes through several stages during sleep, most notably slow wave sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, emphasizing that the slow stages are particularly important as they help the body recover its physical strength, lower the heart rate, regulate blood pressure, stimulate hormone production, and renew tissues.
She said: "When a person regularly suffers from lack of sleep, metabolism and hormone balance are disrupted, which may lead to high blood pressure and elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, thereby increasing the risk of arteriosclerosis and ischemic heart disease."
She also explained that a lack of deep sleep affects the production of the hormones ghrelin and leptin, which are responsible for regulating hunger and satiety, thus increasing the risk of weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and glucose metabolism disorders. She added that sleep apnea increases adrenaline secretion, which exposes the heart to risks such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, stroke, and myocardial infarction.
To improve sleep quality and reduce stress on the heart, the doctor recommends following some simple rules:
Avoid drinking coffee, alcohol, and smoking before bedtime.
Have dinner two to two and a half hours before bedtime.
Avoid using electronic devices two hours before bedtime.
Maintain a comfortable and cool room temperature and use a humidifier if necessary.
She confirmed: "Healthy sleep is not just rest, but a crucial factor in longevity and heart health, as it helps regulate blood pressure, boost immunity, improve mood and cognitive functions. Therefore, attention to sleep quality should be part of the prevention of heart disease and other illnesses. More importantly, chronic sleep problems should not be ignored. If a person feels tired in the morning, has trouble falling asleep, or wakes up in the middle of the night, it could be a sign of a sleep disorder, in which case it is advisable to consult a doctor without delay."
