Study Finds Young Men’s Heart Health Compromised by Just a Few Nights of Insufficient Sleep
Getter Your Z’s: Just a Few Nights of Insufficient Sleep Could Harm Young Men’s Hearts
University of Uppsala researchers published alarming findings on Biomarker Research—a study that could redefine our understanding of sleep’s role in heart health.
explícitely Studying Sleep’s Impact on Heart Health
To isolate sleep’s effect, researchers studied 16 young, healthy men, all with regular sleep habits. Each spent two separate sessions in the lab: one with 8.5 hours of sleep per night for three nights, and another with just 4.5 hours for the same duration.
After each session, they took blood samples and exercised intensely for 30 minutes.
Insomnia’s Immediate Impact
After just three nights of insufficient sleep, the men showed increased levels of 90 proteins. Notably, some proteins linked to inflammation— risk factors for heart failure and coronary disease—were significantly higher. These findings underscore the immediate, harmful effects of even short-term sleep deprivation," said study lead, Dr. Anna Lundberg.
Can Exercise Offset Sleep Deprivation’s Effects?
While exercise did increase some heart-healthy biomarkers, Swedish scholars cautioned: No amount of exercise can fully counteract the biological damage caused by insufficient sleep.
Previous studies suggest sleep-deprived exercise may also strain the heart muscle.
Prevention Begins at Night
The study’s implications are striking: even young, healthy men without pre-existing risk factors showed increased heart disease risks. Further research is needed to understand if these findings apply to women, the elderly, and those with pre-existing heart conditions.
Pro tip: Prioritize quality sleep to protect your heart health, alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise.
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