The Sleep Pattern Linked To Heart Issues As We Age

Key Points:

• A five-year NIH-funded study found that irregular sleep patterns, defined as bedtime variations of more than 90 minutes nightly, double the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), independent of sleep quantity or quality.
• The study tracked participants aged 45-84 using wrist actigraphy and sleep diaries, with follow-ups revealing that irregular sleep schedules particularly increased heart risk among minority populations, especially Black individuals.
• Another 2024 study identified sleep regularity as a stronger predictor of mortality than sleep duration, emphasizing the importance of consistent sleep timing for overall health.
• Researchers suggest that improving sleep patterns by maintaining consistent bedtimes and wake times, along with getting 7-9 hours of sleep, can reduce heart disease risk over time.
• The American Heart Association added sleep to its "Essential 8" health metrics in 2022, highlighting that good sleep, alongside other lifestyle factors, contributes to slower biological aging and reduced chronic disease risk.