Getting enough sleep is often sacrificed by busy workers trying to balance careers, family responsibilities, and daily stress. However, new research suggests that cutting back on sleep may have serious consequences for heart health.
A large multicenter study by researchers from Kumamoto University and the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center in Japan has found that insufficient sleep is linked to a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, a common and potentially dangerous heart rhythm disorder.
Atrial fibrillation, often called AF, occurs when the heart beats in an irregular and often rapid pattern. This disrupts the normal flow of blood and can lead to blood clots forming inside the heart. If a clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke.
AF can also weaken the heart over time and increase the risk of heart failure. Because symptoms can be mild or unnoticed, many people do not realize they have the condition until complications develop.
Previous studies had suggested that sleep problems might be related to AF, but most relied on people estimating their own sleep habits, which can be inaccurate. To get a clearer picture, the new study used a more objective approach.
Researchers monitored participants using a special device called a Holter electrocardiogram for one week. This wearable device continuously recorded heart activity and included a motion sensor to estimate actual sleep duration during normal daily life.
The researchers examined data from two groups: people in their 50s, considered the peak working years, and people in their 70s, representing retirement age.
They found a strong link between shorter sleep time and a higher risk of atrial fibrillation among those in their 50s. Each additional minute of sleep was associated with a measurable decrease in the likelihood of developing the condition.
Interestingly, the same pattern was not seen in older adults in their 70s. The reasons are not entirely clear, but researchers believe that long-term health conditions, medication use, and natural changes in sleep patterns with age may play a role. They also observed that sleeping far longer than average did not provide extra protection, especially for older participants.
The findings suggest that lack of sleep may be an important risk factor that people can change. Many middle-aged adults face demanding jobs, long work hours, and high stress, which often reduce sleep time. Over months and years, this sleep loss may strain the heart and disrupt the body’s natural rhythms.
Experts say sleep affects many systems in the body, including blood pressure, inflammation, and hormone levels. Poor sleep can increase stress hormones and make the heart work harder, which may contribute to irregular heart rhythms. Ensuring enough rest may therefore be a simple but powerful way to protect heart health.
The study highlights the need for greater awareness of sleep as part of a healthy lifestyle, alongside diet and exercise. While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between sleep and heart rhythm disorders, the evidence suggests that prioritizing sleep could reduce the risk of serious complications.
The findings were published in the journal Circulation Reports and add to growing evidence that modern lifestyles, which often limit sleep, may have hidden health costs. For busy professionals and workers, protecting sleep may be just as important as maintaining a healthy diet or staying physically active.
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