Heartfelt Advice: How a Good Night's Sleep Can Help Your Heart

Sleep Care

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Know the bliss of waking up from a great night’s sleep? Quality sleep plays a vital role in health and well-being, whereas poor sleep can cause problems for your health.

A lack of sleep can increase your risk for chronic health conditions, including heart failure.

A connection between sleep and your heart

“Sleep disturbances can result in increased risk for heart disease,” says Deepthi Mosali, MD, cardiologist at Kettering Health. “When people come in with symptoms of heart failure, one of the first questions I ask them is about their sleep.”

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects 1 in 5 adults. In some cases, sleep apnea contributes to heart disease; for others, the reverse is true.

There are two types of sleep apnea. When the brain isn’t sending the signals for proper breathing during sleep, the condition is called central sleep apnea (CSA), which can result from progressive heart failure. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked repeatedly, preventing proper airflow. OSA can contribute to a higher risk of heart disease.

When to call a doctor

Dr. Mosali suggests consulting a physician if:

· You have restless nights and extreme sleepiness

· You wake up feeling extremely tired or with a headache

· Your blood pressure is not well-controlled

· You experience an irregular heartbeat

· You wake up choking or gasping for air

These symptoms could indicate some type of disturbed breathing associated with sleep disorder, particularly in people who are overweight with uncontrolled blood pressure.