Bad sleep can break your heart
When we talk about sleep, we often think about how it affects our energy, mood or ability to focus. But sleep does more than help us feel rested – it plays a major role in protecting the heart.
How poor sleep affects the body
When your body doesn’t get enough sleep, your body works harder to keep up. Over time, this can lead to chronic health issues, including increased risk for heart disease and stroke.
Stress is a leading reason for this increased risk.
We typically think of stress as an emotional response to a challenging situation, but your body also experiences stress internally. When you don’t sleep enough, your stress hormones stay elevated longer than they should.
Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” is produced by the adrenal glands and helps regulate metabolism, blood pressure and inflammation. When cortisol stays high for too long, it puts an extra strain on your heart. Over time, this can increase the risk of heart disease.
Sleep apnea and heart health
Another factor that can impact heart health is sleep apnea, which affects an estimated 30 million people in the U.S., according the American Medical Association.
Sleep apnea causes breathing to stop and restart during sleep, often without the person realizing it. In severe cases, breathing may pause more than 30 times per hour. In the most extreme cases, more than 100 times per hour. Each time this happens, the body releases epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) in response to low oxygen levels.
This surge in adrenaline can
- Increase blood pressure
- Damage blood vessels
- Raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels
Over time, these changes increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Long-term heart risks caused by insomnia
Struggling to sleep for several nights a week? You could be among the 10-12% of adults living with chronic insomnia.
Insomnia is defined as having trouble falling or staying asleep at least three nights a week for three months or more. Research shows that long-term insomnia is linked to
- A 45% higher risk of heart disease
- A 54% higher risk of stroke within just four years
If you’re experiencing frequent sleeplessness, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and possible solutions.
Invest in your health
In 2022, the American Heart Association added sleep to its list of “Life’s Essential 8”—a group of lifestyle and health factors that support strong heart health.
This recognition reinforces something researchers and clinicians have seen for years: Sleep is essential, not optional.
Sleep isn’t just about feeling rested; it’s an important investment a person can make towards long-term heart health. When sleep is treated as a vital sign, early warning signs are easier to detect, and solutions can be made to help prevent more serious conditions from occurring.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S., responsible for about 1 in every 5 deaths. That’s one person every 33 seconds.
Take a step forward—for your heart
Improving your sleep is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health. Whether it’s addressing a sleep disorder, creating better sleep habits, or simply making rest a priority, even small changes can lead to long-term benefits for your heart and overall well-being.
If you’re concerned about your sleep, your heart, or how the two may be connected, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor about what steps make sense for you.
