Catching up on lost sleep over the weekend may have significant heart health benefits, according to new research presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual congress.
The study, which analyzed data from 90,903 participants in the UK Biobank, found that individuals who compensated for weekday sleep deprivation on weekends had a 19% lower risk of developing cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and atrial fibrillation.
“For individuals who regularly experience inadequate sleep on weekdays, the benefits of compensatory sleep on the weekend are even more pronounced,” said coauthor Yanjun Song of the State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease at Fuwai Hospital in Beijing.
Key Findings
Using activity-monitoring devices, researchers categorized participants into four groups based on the degree of weekend sleep compensation. Those with the most compensatory sleep had a 20% lower risk of heart disease compared to those with the least.
The protective effects of weekend sleep were consistent even for participants with genetic risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, the findings have yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, leaving some experts cautious.
Mixed Views on Sleep Patterns
While the study highlights the potential benefits of weekend sleep catch-up, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining regular sleep patterns.
“Lack of sleep can lead to numerous heart issues, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attack, obesity, diabetes, and stroke,” said Dr. Nieca Goldberg, medical director of Atria New York City.
Other studies have shown mixed results, with some suggesting that irregular sleep patterns, known as social jet lag, may negatively impact heart health. Dr. Martha Gulati, director of preventive cardiology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, noted that past research found compensatory sleep could worsen diet, lead to weight gain, and reduce insulin sensitivity.
“To promote heart health, it’s recommended to aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night and maintain a consistent sleep pattern,” Goldberg added.
Sleep and Heart Health
The latest findings add to growing evidence that sleep is a critical component of heart health. Sufficient sleep supports better blood pressure, glucose levels, dietary choices, and psychological well-being, all of which are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
“Sleep is restorative and a key component of heart health preservation,” said Dr. Nour Makarem, assistant professor of epidemiology at Columbia University.
Although unanswered questions remain, including whether there’s a limit to how much sleep can be made up on weekends, the research underscores the importance of prioritizing rest.
“If you’re having trouble sleeping, you can discuss it with your doctor,” Goldberg advised. “Remember, you are the best advocate for your health.”
