We have been knowing for a long time for the heart to be bad – but scientists are now starting to understand exactly how.
In a new study at the University of Uppsala in Sweden, the researchers found that only three nights of sleep – about four hours at night – caused changes in the blood associated with higher risk of heart disease.
The researchers looked at the inflammatory proteins in the blood. These are molecules that the body produces when stress or fight disease. When these proteins remain for a long time, they can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of problems such as heart failure, coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rate).
The study consisted of 16 healthy young men who spent several days in a laboratory, where everything from their meals to their level of activity and exposure to light were carefully controlled.
Participants followed two routines: three nights of normal sleep (8.5 hours) and three nights of sleep (4.25 hours). After each sleeping step, men completed a high -intensity cycling exercise and their blood was tested before and after.
The researchers measured approximately 90 different proteins in the blood sample. They found that sleep deprivation had increased the inflammatory markers of the heart disease. And while exercise usually enhances healthy proteins such as Interloon 6 and BDNF (which supports brain and heart health), these responses were weaker after bedtime.
Even young adults
Stunning, these changes occurred even in young and healthy adults, and after just a few nights bad sleep. This is worrying about how common the adults are to experience poor sleep from time to time – and about one in four are changing work that disrupts sleep patterns.
The researchers also found that the blood time of the day is important: the protein levels are different between the morning and the evening, and even more when restricting sleep. This shows that sleep not only affects what is in your blood, but when these changes are visible.
Although modern life often encourages us to trade for productivity, association or showing in sleep, studies remind us that the body maintains a score – quietly, chemical, and without compromise.
Annie Curtis Professor (Assoc) is at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (PBS) at RCSI University of Medical and Medical Sciences.
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