The Role of Sleep in Cardiovascular Health
A review of current findings on the relationship between sleep quality and cardiovascular risk, with notes on preventive measures in everyday practice.
Sleep quality and duration are increasingly recognized as independent cardiovascular risk factors, alongside diet and physical activity. Recent studies suggest that short and irregular sleep may be associated with elevated blood pressure and changes in glucose metabolism.
In this review we discuss the mechanisms linking sleep disruption to cardiovascular risk, including the role of the autonomic nervous system and chronic low-grade inflammation. We also summarize practical sleep-hygiene recommendations that can be used in patient counseling.
We conclude that sleep quality assessment should become a routine part of cardiovascular prevention, while noting that further longitudinal studies in local populations are needed.