Unexpected risk factor for cardiovascular diseases revealed

Irregular sleep and short night rest can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems even in young people with normal weight.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to the journal Nutrients, researchers from Florence analyzed 70 adults with normal BMI, whose sleep during the week was measured using Fitbit bracelets. It was found that even in clinically healthy people, irregular sleep and the habit of sleeping less than seven hours are associated with higher levels of body fat, cholesterol, and cardiovascular risk markers.

Participants slept an average of 7.4 hours per night, but differed in the stability of their sleep schedule. Those who had the least regular sleep had a higher percentage of fat mass, higher total cholesterol, reduced levels of "good" HDL and folates. People who slept less than seven hours had a higher BMI and level of homocysteine - an amino acid associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

At the same time, the researchers noted that after accounting for age, gender, physical activity, smoking, and caloric intake, the relationship between sleep quality and health indicators weakened. There were almost no significant differences in the overall diet and meal times among the groups, although the "sleep-deprived" had a greater contribution of animal protein and sodium.

The authors emphasize: the study does not prove a causal relationship, however, the results confirm the importance of not only the duration but also the regularity of sleep as a potentially modifiable factor of cardiometabolic health even in young and outwardly healthy people.