People talk a lot about sleep — and for good reason. It’s one of the most underrated factors in heart health. Lack of sleep isn’t just about being “tired,” “overworked,” or “binge-watching a show.” It’s real stress for the body — especially for the cardiovascular system.

What Happens to the Body When We Don’t Get Enough Sleep:

– Cortisol levels rise — the stress hormone that forces the heart into “alert mode”
– Heart rate increases, and blood pressure may rise
– Insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism worsen — contributing to atherosclerosis
– The risk of heart attack and stroke increases, especially with less than 6 hours of sleep per night

Studies show that chronic sleep deprivation raises the risk of cardiovascular disease by 30–40%.

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✅ But if you sleep 7–8 hours regularly:

– Blood pressure and heart rate normalize
– Inflammation in blood vessels decreases
– The heart rests and resets its rhythm
– Mood and stress resilience improve

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Take note:
If you frequently wake up at night, snore, or struggle to breathe during sleep, this could be sleep apnea — and it directly affects the heart. In such cases, it’s important to consult a doctor.