Arterial calcification appears almost 1.8 times more often in individuals who go to bed late and wake up late, according to a study published in Sleep Medicine. The link between sleep timing and vessel health is a growing area of interest as researchers explore how daily rhythms influence cardiovascular risk.
Atherosclerosis involves chronic inflammation of the vessel wall. This inflammatory process encourages the buildup of plaques that are rich in fat and calcium. The calcium content within a vessel is a key indicator of the severity of atherosclerosis, a major risk factor for both stroke and heart attack. Understanding how sleep patterns relate to calcium deposition can help explain part of this risk profile.
In the referenced study, 771 adults aged 50 to 64 were examined. The extent of calcification in the heart arteries was measured using computed tomography. Among the participants, 144 described themselves as extreme morning types, while 128 identified as extreme evening types. About 22% of early risers showed significant arterial calcification, compared with 40.6% in the night owl group. This difference suggests that chronotype may be associated with arterial health, independent of other factors.
The results imply that late bedtimes and delayed wake times could raise cardiovascular risk. To arrive at this conclusion, the researchers adjusted for several other influences known to affect atherosclerosis risk. These included blood pressure, lipid levels, body weight, physical activity, stress, and smoking history. By accounting for these factors, the study aimed to isolate the potential contribution of sleep timing to arterial health.
Additionally, prior scientific discussions have highlighted potential interactions between sleep patterns and cardiovascular conditions. It is important to note that certain remedies for colds may pose risks for individuals with hypertension, underscoring the need for careful management of sleep and overall health in cardiovascular prevention. These cautions reflect a broader understanding that routine health choices, such as sleep habits and medication use, can influence heart and vessel well-being over time. [citation: Sleep Medicine study, 2023]