Short-Term Sleep Deprivation Can Harm Heart Health: New Research Findings

Just 3 nights of poor sleep may harm heart health

A recent study from Uppsala University highlights how even brief periods of poor sleep can negatively impact cardiovascular health. The research involved young men who experienced three nights of restricted sleep—only about 4.25 hours per night—and found that biomarkers linked to inflammation and heart disease increased significantly after just these few nights.

While regular sleep of at least seven hours is recommended by health authorities like the CDC, many individuals struggle to get enough rest due to stress or health issues. The study emphasizes that insufficient sleep can contribute to health problems such as mental health deterioration, accelerated brain aging, and increased heart disease risk.

The research also tested if exercise could offset the effects of sleep deprivation. Results showed that although exercise had some beneficial effects on protein levels, it did not fully mitigate the harm caused by short-term sleep loss. Biomarkers associated with cardiovascular risk remained elevated.

Expert insights suggest that poor sleep triggers biochemical changes related to inflammation, which can damage blood vessels and increase cardiovascular risk. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine, practicing good sleep hygiene, and avoiding stimulants before bedtime are practical steps to improve sleep quality.

As researchers continue to explore the short-term impacts of sleep deprivation, this study underscores the importance of prioritizing sleep to safeguard long-term health.