The Critical Role of Sleep in Women's Long-Term Heart Health During Menopause
Sleep quality during menopause plays a crucial role in determining women’s long-term cardiovascular health. A recent study underscores the importance of adequate sleep for preventing future heart risks in midlife women.
Recent research highlights the vital importance of sleep for women undergoing menopause, especially concerning their long-term cardiovascular health. According to a study published in the journal Menopause, only about 20% of midlife women achieve ideal scores on the American Heart Association’s Life's Essential 8 (LE8) health assessment tool, which evaluates key factors such as blood glucose, blood pressure, sleep quality, and nicotine use. Among these, sleep stands out as particularly influential in predicting future cardiovascular risks.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Baylor University, analyzed data from approximately 3,000 women participating in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN). This long-term, multi-ethnic study has been ongoing since 1996, providing valuable insights into women’s health during midlife.
Findings revealed that while subclinical measures such as carotid artery thickness showed some associations, sleep duration—specifically ensuring seven to nine hours per night—was strongly linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular events and overall mortality later in life. Sleep deficiency was notably absent in short-term effects like carotid artery thickening but was a strong predictor of long-term outcomes.
Senior researcher Samar R. El Khoudary emphasized that menopause marks a period of increasing cardiovascular risk but also presents an opportunity for women to improve their heart health through lifestyle adjustments. The first author, Ziyuan Wang, highlighted that meeting the recommended sleep duration could significantly influence women’s longevity and cardiovascular well-being.
Given that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women, these findings underscore the importance of prioritizing healthy sleep habits during midlife. Healthcare providers and women themselves are encouraged to focus on improving sleep quality as a preventive measure against future heart-related health issues.
This research supports the growing understanding of sleep’s essential role in managing long-term health risks, especially during the menopausal transition—an opportune time to adopt interventions that can have lasting positive impacts on women’s heart health.
Source: [https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-menopause-vitally-important-women-term.html]
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