A new study has pointed at a worrying trend among people that could be increasing the risk of dangerous heart conditions.
As technology and science advances we become more aware of how to keep ourselves in good shape and the things in our lives that are preventing us from living our healthiest lives.
But while research continues around the world about cause and effect of the diseases and conditions impacting millions, there are already trends and habits people do regularly that is putting them at greater risk.
That is according to a study published in the journal Biomarker Research by the Uppsala University in Sweden.
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The researchers involved with this study found that this one thing that many people struggle with nightly could be putting their health at risk in the long term.
But what is the habit?
Well, it might not be something you are doing intentionally, but all the same, insufficient sleep may be increasing the chance of suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
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Jonathan Cedernaes, physician and docent at Uppsala University, who led the study said: “Unfortunately, nearly half of all Swedes regularly experience disturbed sleep, and this is particularly common among shift workers.
"That is why we wanted to try to identify mechanisms that affect how lack of sleep can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Ultimately, the purpose was to identify opportunities to address these problems.”
The study added that a lack of quality sleep is becoming a public health concern as it has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and atrial fibrillation in large population studies.
Sleep isn’t the only factor that contributes to heart health, though.
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Other factors including lifestyle, diet and exercise also play a part.
A press release from the university explained how the researchers conducted the study.
It read: “The authors studied 16 healthy young men of normal weight. They all had healthy sleep habits. The participants spent time in a sleep laboratory where their meals and activity levels were strictly controlled in two sessions.
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“In one session, participants got a normal amount of sleep for three consecutive nights, while during the other session, they got only about four hours of sleep each night. During both sessions, morning and evening blood samples were taken, and following high-intensity exercise lasting 30 minutes.
“The researchers measured the levels of around 90 proteins in the blood and were able to see that the levels of many of these that are associated with increased inflammation rose when the participants were sleep-deprived.
“Many of these proteins have already been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart failure and coronary artery disease.”
Those involved in the study concluded further research is needed to understand how lack of sleep will impact different demographics.
Gerrard Kaonga