A study to be presented at the upcoming European Society of Cardiology Congress reveals that those who extend their sleep on weekends to compensate for lost sleep during the week could see a roughly 20% reduction in their risk of heart disease.
The research analyzed data from over 90,000 individuals who self-reported their sleep habits. Sleep deprivation was defined as getting less than seven hours of sleep per night. Out of the participants, 19,816 were identified as sleep deprived and were followed up on for a decade.
The study’s findings suggest that those who accumulate the most additional sleep on weekends experience notably lower rates of heart disease compared to those who catch up the least, according to co-author Zechen Liu.
While the study found no significant differences between men and women, the impact of catching up on sleep was more pronounced for those who regularly experienced insufficient sleep during the week, noted co-author Yanjun Song.
This research has yet to be peer-reviewed but will be discussed at the cardiology conference in London.
Past studies have highlighted the negative effects of poor sleep on health, but improving sleep hygiene can help. This includes adjusting sleep schedules, optimizing sleep environments, and focusing on enhancing sleep quality. Practical tips for better sleep quality involve reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, limiting screen time before bed, and managing fluid intake in the evening.
