In today’s fast-paced life, fatigue and lack of sleep have become common problems. The main reasons for this can be late-night mobile phone usage, work stress, or an irregular lifestyle. Poor sleep is often attributed to this. But did you know that consistently poor sleep isn’t just a lifestyle problem, but can also be an early sign of heart disease? Dr. Anshul Kumar Jain, Director of the Cardiology Department at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, says that sleep-related problems often indicate that the heart is already under additional strain.
Doctors explain that when we are in deep sleep, the body undergoes several essential repairs. During this time, blood pressure and heart rate naturally decrease, providing rest to the heart. However, if your sleep is frequently interrupted or you don’t get enough sleep, this natural recovery process is affected.
The result is that blood pressure remains elevated for a prolonged period, forcing the heart to work harder than normal. Over time, this extra pressure can damage both the blood vessels and the heart.
Many people dismiss snoring as normal, but loud snoring and breathing pauses during sleep can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is a condition in which a person’s breathing repeatedly stops for a few seconds during sleep.
Irregular heartbeat is linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Family members or spouses are often the first to notice this problem. It’s important to consult a doctor if you experience these symptoms.
If you regularly sleep less than six hours or toss and turn throughout the night, it doesn’t just affect your energy. Poor sleep can also increase levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline in the body, leading to a persistently elevated blood pressure and heart rate.
This damage occurs gradually, and therefore, people often only notice it when they are diagnosed with high blood pressure or heart disease.
If you experience occasional sleeplessness, it’s not a cause for concern. However, if you notice any changes in your body over a long period of time, consult a doctor immediately.
Loud snoring and sleep apnea
Feeling tired even after getting enough sleep
Headaches upon waking
Feeling lethargic and tired throughout the day, which even tea or coffee can’t relieve.
Good sleep is essential for heart health.