In addition to doing regular activities, like going for a run a couple of times a week, you probably know you don’t have to skimp on sleep if you want to keep your heart healthy. But could sleeping too much be just as problematic? Bad news, nap lovers: new research suggests that excessive rest could also increase some health risks.
A study presented at the recent annual scientific conference ofAmerican College of Cardiology looked at just over 14,000 attendees at the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Much like other large-scale health surveys, this one collects a range of behaviors and findings, including diet, exercise, smoking, sleep, and medical diagnoses.
The participants were followed for approx sette annthe. Those who reported a heart attack, heart failure, or stroke during that time were evaluated for risk factors, including levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a key inflammatory marker associated with heart disease.
They also gave an atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score, which takes into account factors such as age, race, blood pressure, gender, and cholesterol, all of which can play a role in predicting heart problems.
The researchers found that there was a U-shaped relationship with sleep duration. Those who had rested less than six hours a night were at the highest risk of ASCVD, but a higher risk was also noted for those who slept more than seven hours. The “safest” range was six to seven hours, the lowest ASCVD risk.
The same was confirmed with CRP levels, which were higher in those with shorter and longer sleep duration. This means accumulating enough sleep is crucial – especially if you struggle with sleep quality, and not just the hours spent in bed.
.