A busy week can disrupt even the best sleep plans, causing many of us to catch up on sleep during the weekend. New research suggests that making up for lost sleep on weekends might benefit your heart health. According to a recent study, people who catch up on sleep over the weekend could lower their risk of heart disease by 19%.
The study analyzed data from over 90,000 participants in the UK Biobank, a health study that tracks individuals’ well-being. Researchers used activity monitors to measure participants’ sleep and divided them into groups based on how much they made up for lost sleep on weekends. The group that caught up the most on sleep saw a 19% lower risk of developing heart conditions, including heart disease and stroke, compared to those who caught up the least.
This effect was even stronger for people who regularly experienced sleep deprivation during the week. Those who consistently lacked sleep and made up for it on weekends had a 20% lower risk of heart disease. These findings applied to both men and women equally.
Experts Say Weekend Sleep Catch-Up Has Some Benefits
Experts emphasize that while catching up on sleep over the weekend might have benefits, maintaining a regular sleep schedule is crucial. Dr. Nieca Goldberg points out that chronic sleep deprivation can harm cardiovascular health. Meanwhile, Dr. Nour Makarem and Dr. Martha Gulati stress that inconsistent sleep patterns might still have negative effects and that making up for lost sleep may not always be effective.
For optimal heart health, aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night and try to keep a consistent sleep schedule throughout the week. If you struggle with sleep, consult your doctor for advice. Consistent sleep is key to preserving heart health.
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In summary, while catching up on weekend sleep might offer some heart health benefits, sticking to a regular sleep routine throughout the week is the best strategy for overall cardiovascular well-being.