A study finds that sleeping between 10-11 pm lowers heart disease risk

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal - Digital Health suggests that there may be a link between sleep onset timing and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), specifically in women. The study, which took place in the UK, examined 88,026 individuals from the UK Biobank between 2006 and 2010. The average age of the participants was 61 years, and over 55% of the participants were women. The study followed up with the participants for a new diagnosis of CVD, which was defined as a heart attack, heart failure, chronic ischaemic heart disease, stroke, and transient ischaemic attack.

The researchers found that the incidence of CVD was highest in those who slept at midnight or later, with a risk increase of up to 25%. However, the incidence of heart disease was lowest in those who slept between 10 pm to 11 pm. Additionally, the study found that sleeping between 11 pm to midnight increased the risk by 12%, and sleeping before 10 pm increased the risk by 24%.

Overall, the study found that a total of 3,172 participants had developed heart-related issues during the course of the study. It is important to note that while this study suggests a link between sleep onset timing and CVD, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship and to determine the potential causes of this association.

Dr. David Plans, the study's author from the University of Exeter in the UK, explained that sleeping after midnight poses a greater risk to heart health because it may reduce the likelihood of exposure to morning light, which helps to reset the body's internal clock. A review of the literature published in the Current Cardiology Reviews also highlighted the importance of adequate sleep duration in preventing cardiovascular diseases in modern society. The review found that sleep loss is directly associated with hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and impaired glucose tolerance.

References:

TIMESOFINDIA.com. (2023, January 12th). Home. YouTube. Retrieved January 13, 2023, from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/sleeping-between-10-11-pm-lowers-heart-disease-risk-finds-study/photostory/96937439.cms?picid=96937481