Study Reveals Irregular Sleep Patterns Increase Risk of Cardiovascular Events
A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health has shed new light on the importance of sleep regularity in predicting heart attack and stroke risk.
Key Findings:
- Sleep regularity is a stronger predictor of major cardiovascular events than sleep duration.
- Irregular sleep patterns increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, even if individuals get the recommended number of hours of sleep.
- Conversely, regular sleep patterns are protective against cardiovascular outcomes.
- A minimum Sleep Regularity Index (SRI) score of 77.1 is associated with a 15% reduction in risk, with even greater benefit occurring with more regular sleep.
The Study:
The large study, which included over 72,000 individuals between the ages of 40 and 79, utilized activity trackers to record sleep patterns over seven days. Participants were given an SRI score, with lower scores indicating irregular sleep patterns. The study found that irregular sleepers had a 26% increased risk of major cardiovascular events, while moderate irregular sleepers had an 8% increased risk.
Expert Insights:
According to Jean-Philippe Chaput, PhD, a senior scientist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute and first author of the research, "Sleep irregularity refers to frequently changing sleep schedules, like going to bed and waking up at different times each day, which can disrupt the body and negatively impact health."
Andrew J. K. Phillips, MD, a sleep scientist and associate professor at the Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, adds, "There is a strong emerging body of evidence showing that irregular sleep patterns are bad for our health. Sleep regularity is not just a predictor of one area of health, but rather it seems to touch on a wide range of health outcomes."
Taking Control of Sleep Patterns:
Fortunately, getting on a regular sleep schedule is achievable with some simple adjustments. Scott Kutscher, MD, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry and sleep medicine at Stanford Medicine, recommends:
- Setting a bedtime timer
- Creating a wind-down routine
- Talking with a healthcare professional if you think you may have a sleep disorder
- Aiming to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends
Jimmy Carr: Alright, folks, gather ’round. Today we’re talking about sleep, or lack thereof. You know, that thing we all wish we had more of, but somehow, we always manage to find ways to screw it up. Am I right? (wink)
Rowan Atkinson (in a deadpan tone): Ah, yes. Sleep. The elusive dream. (pauses) Pun intended.
Ricky Gervais: (interrupting) Oh, come on, lads, let’s get to the good stuff! So, researchers have found out that irregular sleep patterns can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. No surprise there, really. I mean, who needs sleep when you’ve got Netflix, am I right? (chuckles)
Lee Evans: (excitedly) Oi, Oi, Oi! It’s not just about the quantity of sleep, mate! It’s about regularity! You see, if you’re going to bed and waking up at different times every day, it’s like your body’s internal clock is going, "What the bloody ‘ell is going on ‘ere?" (in a mock cockney accent)
According to this study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, sleep regularity is more important than sleep duration when it comes to predicting heart attacks and strokes. So, even if you’re getting the recommended number of hours, but your sleep schedule is all over the shop, you’re still at risk.
Jimmy Carr: Ah, now, I’m no expert, but I’m pretty sure my sleep schedule is all over the shop. I mean, I’m a comedian, not a bloody accountant. (laughs) But seriously, folks, it’s not just about the science-y stuff. The study found that irregular sleep patterns can lead to a 26% increased risk of major cardiovascular events. That’s no laughing matter.
Rowan Atkinson: Indeed, it’s quite serious. The researchers analyzed data from over 72,000 individuals between the ages of 40 and 79, and the results were… well, let’s just say, eye-opening. (pauses for comedic effect) Pun intended.
Ricky Gervais: But don’t worry, there’s hope! The study also found that getting enough sleep – based on age group recommendations – can somewhat offset the risks associated with irregular sleep patterns. Oh, and by the way, that’s 7-9 hours for adults, FYI. So, get on it, folks!
Lee Evans: And here’s the best part, mate! Creating a regular sleep schedule is within reach! You don’t need to be a bloody superhero or anything. Just set a bedtime timer, create a wind-down routine, and for God’s sake, put your phone away before bed! (excitedly) You can do it!
Jimmy Carr: There you have it, folks. Sleep: it’s not just for the young and beautiful anymore. (winks) Prioritize those Zs, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll live to tell the tale.
(Rowan Atkinson): Ah, and remember, a good night’s sleep is just a dream away… (pauses) Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
(Ricky Gervais and Lee Evans chuckle in the background)
This article offers helpful tips for creating a regular sleep schedule, including setting a bedtime timer, creating a wind-down routine, and talking with a healthcare professional if you think you may have a sleep disorder.
