Waking up late on weekends can prevent heart attack says research

Love to

sleep

during the weekend? Know how it helps in preventing heart attacks
Sleeping more on weekends: Can it really protect your heart?
Pick out any of us and you will see one thing in common; the struggle to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Whether it’s due to work, school, or other obligations, sleep often takes a backseat, leaving us tired and sleep-deprived by the weekend.

To make up for lost sleep, many people indulge in what’s known as Weekend Catch-Up Sleep (WCS). But can sleeping in on weekends actually have a positive impact on your

heart health

? Recent studies suggest that this might just be the case.

What is the connection between sleep and heart health?

Sleep plays an important role in maintaining overall health, including

cardiovascular health

. According to the Great Indian Sleep Scorecard, over 88% of the Indian population does not get a good night's sleep. This lack of sleep has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and, notably,

heart disease

. When we don't get enough sleep, our bodies react by increasing the levels of stress hormones, which can lead to

inflammation

- a known contributor to heart disease.

Research published in the US National Library of Medicine shows that inadequate sleep triggers an inflammatory response in the body. This inflammation, if left unchecked, can lead to severe cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes. Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, which disrupts breathing during sleep, can increase the strain on the heart, leading to higher risks of heart failure.

Can weekend sleep insulation help?

A study published in Sleep Health explored whether Weekend Catch-Up Sleep could mitigate the risks associated with

sleep deprivation

. The study specifically looked at individuals who slept six hours or less during the week but made up for it by sleeping an extra two hours on the weekend. The study found that these individuals had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those who didn’t catch up on sleep.

The findings suggest that while weekday sleep deprivation is harmful, compensating with extra sleep on weekends may help reduce the risk of heart disease. It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean we should rely solely on

weekend sleep

to make up for a lack of sleep during the week.

Why sleep hygiene still matters

While catching up on sleep during the weekend can be beneficial, it’s not a substitute for good sleep hygiene. The National Institute of Health emphasizes that healthy sleep includes not just adequate duration but also high-quality, restorative sleep and a consistent

sleep schedule

. Aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep per night should still be the goal, with a focus on creating a regular sleep pattern that supports overall well-being.

Consistent poor sleep, even with weekend catch-ups, can still lead to long-term health issues, including heart disease. Therefore, while the occasional weekend lie-in is helpful, prioritizing a regular sleep schedule throughout the week is crucial.

Other benefits of weekend catch-up sleep

Beyond heart health, catching up on sleep during the weekend can have other positive effects. Improved mood, better cognitive function, and reduced stress levels are just a few of the benefits associated with getting adequate sleep. Sleep is a time for the body to repair itself, so those extra hours can contribute to overall better mental and physical health.