Heart and sleep: an essential duo for optimal health

World Sleep Day is the perfect opportunity to remind people just how closely linked sleep and heart health are. As experts in the field of sleep, at La Clef du Sommeil we want to raise awareness of the consequences of insufficient or poor-quality sleep, and of the importance of sleeping well to maintain a healthy heart.

The link between sleep and heart health

Sleep isn’t just a moment of rest for the body: it’s essential to our general well-being, and particularly to our cardiovascular health. Here are a few key facts:

Sleep apnea and heart disease: People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have an increased risk of developing heart problems, including hypertension, arrhythmias and heart failure.

Heart attacks and sleep deprivation: A study published by the University of Ottawa Heart Institute shows an increase in heart attacks during the time change, due to reduced sleep time.

Some alarming figures

Approximately 1 in 4 Canadian adults suffers from sleep apnea, often without realizing it.

Sleep disorders can increase the risk of stroke by 60% and hypertension by 50%.

Sleeping less than 6 hours a night can significantly increase the risk of heart disease.

Why sleeping well is crucial for the heart

While we sleep, our body regulates several essential functions:

Regeneration of heart cells: Restful sleep reduces inflammation and protects artery walls.

Stabilizing blood pressure: Sleep helps maintain stable blood pressure, reducing the risk of complications.

Stress management: Adequate sleep reduces the production of the stress hormone cortisol, which can put a strain on the cardiovascular system.

The impact of time changes

Spring Daylight Savings Time is a critical period for the heart:

A loss of one hour’s sleep can increase heart attacks by 24% in the days that follow.

How can sleep help protect your heart?

1. Listen to your body: If you feel constantly tired, sleepy or snore loudly, consult a professional.
2. Establish a sleep routine: Try to sleep between 7 and 9 hours a night, on a regular schedule.
3. Treat conditions such as sleep apnea: Left untreated, it can have serious consequences for your heart and overall health.

A conclusion from the heart

Taking care of your sleep means investing in your heart health. On this day of awareness, ask yourself this question: is your sleep protecting you or putting you at risk? At La Clef du Sommeil, we’re here to guide you towards a good night’s sleep and a healthy heart.

Find out more about the links between sleep and heart health.