Lack of Sleep Increases Risk for Heart Problems
Lack of sleep may have more than serious effects than losing focus in school or at work. A recent study conducted by researchers in the University of Chicago traces build up of calcium in the heart of a person that gets less sleep than the average.
A group of 495 men and women between 35 to 47 years old were subjects of the survey. The proponents were surprise with the results as an hour less sleep than average increases cardiac calcium by as much as 16%.
The individuals getting less than the recommended 5 to 7 hours have a 27% occurrence of plaques in their blood vessel. Those sleeping within the average range of hours had 11% affection. Only 6% of the subjects who gets over 7 hours of sleep were found positive for coronary plaques.
Even the researchers were surprised with the strong relation between the lack of sleep and cardiac problems. Earlier studies were not able to establish the link between shut eyes and heart problems. Most of the previous studies had biases to deal with and questionable methodologies.
The researchers were able to isolate other factors which may cause lack of sleep and cardiac problems. Information about alcohol intake, smoking, and other medical conditions were carefully considered.
They were also able to find a way to record the activities of the subjects as accurate as possible. The subjects were asked to wear a wrist monitor which recorded and measured the activity of the individual.
The conclusion may lead to consideration of sleep as an important factor in cardiology. Aside from hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes, doctors should also now consider the sleeping habits of the patients.