Sleep and the Heart: Why Your Heart Health Depends on a Good Night’s Sleep
February is Heart Month—a time to reflect on what we can do to protect one of the most vital organs in our body: the heart. While diet, exercise, and regular check-ups are often top of mind, there’s another crucial factor that is sometimes overlooked: sleep.
Sleep isn’t just rest; it’s a fundamental process that allows your body—and your heart—to recover and function optimally. Poor sleep or untreated sleep disorders can increase your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular issues.
How Sleep Affects the Heart
During healthy sleep, your heart rate and blood pressure naturally drop, giving your cardiovascular system a much-needed break. Sleep also helps regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels—all factors that contribute to heart health.
When sleep is insufficient or of poor quality, these processes are disrupted. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to:
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Elevated stress hormones, which can strain the heart
Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Risk
One of the most significant sleep-related threats to heart health is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, which reduces oxygen levels and puts stress on the heart.
People with untreated OSA are at higher risk for:
Hypertension
Coronary artery disease
Heart failure
Stroke
OSA is common, often undiagnosed, and can affect anyone—even those who feel they “sleep enough.” Recognizing the signs—loud snoring, gasping during sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness—is the first step to protecting your heart.
The Sleep-Heart Connection Is Modifiable
The good news is that sleep habits can be changed, and interventions can significantly reduce heart risk:
Prioritize 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
Seek evaluation for sleep disorders like sleep apnea
Create a sleep-friendly environment: dark, cool, and quiet
Limit caffeine, alcohol, and screen time close to bedtime
For those at higher cardiovascular risk, diagnostic sleep testing and treatment—including at-home sleep studies—can be life-saving. Addressing poor sleep isn’t just about feeling rested; it’s about protecting your heart for years to come.
Take Heart This Month—And Every Month
Heart health and sleep are inseparable. Just as you wouldn’t skip exercise or healthy meals to protect your heart, you shouldn’t compromise on sleep. Investing in quality sleep is an investment in your cardiovascular well-being.
This Heart Month, prioritize your sleep—your heart will thank you.
