Insomnia Linked to Higher Heart Attack Risk, Especially for Those with Diabetes

Researchers from the American College of Cardiology reported that insomnia significantly increases the risk of heart events, with a notable uptick for women. The study findings were published in the journal Clinical Cardiology. A rigorous review encompassed 1,226 studies and drew on data from more than one million adults, including 150,000 individuals with insomnia. The vast majority, about 96 percent, had no prior history of heart attack. Within the studied group, heart attacks occurred in 2,400 sleep-deprived participants and in 12,000 instances where sleep deprivation was present during the study period. Those sleeping five hours or less per night faced the highest risk, and the combination of insomnia with diabetes doubled the likelihood of a heart attack. The researchers noted that even higher risk emerged for people who also had high blood pressure or high cholesterol alongside insomnia. Specifically, individuals with diabetes and insomnia were twice as likely to suffer a heart attack, underscoring how multiple risk factors amplify danger. The team highlighted that insomnia paired with other conditions can markedly escalate risk. Another key finding showed that trouble falling asleep or waking during the night was linked to about a 13 percent increase in heart attack risk compared to those without sleep problems. Interestingly, individuals who reported feeling overwhelmed after waking without experiencing insomnia did not show an elevated risk for heart attack. [Attribution: American College of Cardiology]