Ask the expert: Sleep & heart health
Posted: December 3, 2014
How does sleep affect heart health?
The quality of your sleep affects your heart health and in turn, your heart health can affect the quality of your sleep.
Much research has been done about the relationship between sleep apnea and heart health.
The relationship is becoming more recognized, and we're learning about its impact on heart health and the potential for heart problems, including stroke.
Sleep apnea typically causes the telltale loud snoring, snorts and labored breathing that may disturb others trying to sleep. The body is not getting enough oxygen.
At a certain point, the body responds to reduced oxygen levels with increased heart rate and blood pressure. With undiagnosed sleep apnea, this response can happen repeatedly throughout the night.
Although the exact cause is not fully known, the interruption of adequate oxygen is thought to be a significant factor for increased risk of heart problems.
We do know that people with sleep apnea are at increased risk of heart attack, heart arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat). They're also at increased risk for developing heart failure and high blood pressure. Sleep apnea seems to occur more often in men, but also affects women.
An estimated 20 percent of the population may have sleep apnea. Often people who have sleep apnea aren't aware of it, especially if they live alone. Snoring is the most noticeable symptom.
Sleep apnea symptoms
- Abnormal daytime sleepiness.
- Poor concentration or memory difficulties.
- Morning headaches because of low oxygen levels during the night.
- Frequent waking up during the night.