When it comes to heart health, many people focus on diet, exercise, and medication. However, an often-overlooked factor is the quality of sleep. In this blog, you are going to learn how poor sleep patterns or lack of sleep may harm your heart and why understanding your sleep pattern is important.
Dr. Jignesh Patel, arguably the best cardiologist doctor in Ahmedabad, also supports the necessity of a proper sleep as a component of a healthy cardiovascular process. Being a cardio specialist in Ahmedabad, many of his patients that he has seen have suffered from worse heart conditions due to their improper sleeping etiquette.
The Importance of Sleep for Heart Health
How Sleep Affects the Heart
Sleep is a restorative process that is essential in every person’s life. Thus, sleep is divided into stages, and during the night, the body performs certain tasks at each of them. However, the most important stage of sleep that positively affects the health of the heart is the slow wave sleep. This is normally the time when the heart rate and blood pressure decreases while the body works on the renovation and repair of different parts of the body.
Sleeping does not only help in curing but its deficiency contributes to the increase of rates of heartbeat and blood pressure which adds more pressure on the heart. This in the long-run leads to several cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, hypertension, and many others. As per the survey and research, the best heart doctor in Ahmedabad, Dr. Jignesh Patel, informed that sleep deprivation can cause hypertension, heart attacks and also stroke.
Sleep and Inflammation
Inflammation is a process of defence reaction of the body when encountering injuries or pathogens. However, inflammation has been noted always to be negative because it kills the cells and weakens the blood vessels, hence causing heart disease. Sleep loss is associated with the elevation of markers of inflammation in the bloodstream. This inflammation can lead to atherosclerosis which is a condition characterized by blockage of the arteries with fatty materials.
Dr. Patel who is a heart failure specialist angrily emphasizes that inflammation has to be controlled and argues that sleep can help one avoid heart disease. Getting enough quality sleep is another way of ensuring you minimize inflammation and the possible risk factors to your heart.
Common Sleep Disorders and Their Impact
1. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is one of the recognized sleep disorders that is defined by the continual interruptions that a person experiences in breathing while they are asleep. These interruptions can vary from second to sixty minutes and can reoccur many times within a night. This condition increases the chances of getting heart related issues.
In the case of Dr. Patel, a leading heart specialist hospital in Ahmedabad coined cases of sleep apnea that also include hypertension and arrhythmias. The appropriate treatment for sleep apnea will lead to beneficial effects on the state of the heart as well as cardiovascular events.
2. Insomnia
The fact of the inability to sleep or maintaining sleeping state is also a type of pathology that can seriously harm the heart. Persistently poor sleep increases the level of stress hormones, blood pressure, and the rate of heartbeat. They all can play a role in the progression of heart disease.
Consuming alcohol, taking stimulants, avoiding exercise and consuming tea/coffee are other behaviors that should be avoided by patients with insomnia according to Dr. Jignesh Patel to enhance their sleep and also protect their heart. Mild alterations in one’s routine including creation of a sleeping timetable and scheduling consistent sleeping hours led by a quiet environment hugely benefits the process.
Tips for Better Sleep and a Healthier Heart
1. Establish a Sleep Routine
One of the most effective ways to improve sleep quality is to establish a consistent sleep routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate the body’s internal clock. Dr. Patel recommends creating a relaxing bedtime routine that includes activities such as reading, listening to soothing music, or practicing deep breathing exercises.
2. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol Intake
Alcohol and caffeine interfere with sleep and cause an impact on the heart. According to Dr. Jignesh Patel, it is suggested to minimise the intake of products containing caffeine as a part of them, and specifically in the afternoon and in the evening. Though it may offer that sleepy feeling at first, alcohol disrupts your sleep , gives shallow sleep , and raises your heart rate at night.
3. Manage Stress
Pressure is the key factor that disorders sleep and affects the health of the heart. Reducing stress may help boost the quality of your sleep and lower the risk of heart disease. He further suggests that people have to take time off their busy schedule to exercise or meditate to decrease levels of stress.
4. Seek Medical Advice
But if you have any persistent sleep disorders, then it is advisable that you consult a doctor. A doctor can suggest treatments based on the underlying causes of the condition based on professional knowledge. The best cardiologist doctor in Ahmedabad, as Dr. Jignesh Patel underlines the steps people should take to avoid heart complications and one of them is the sleep disturbance.
Conclusion
Sleep and heart health can therefore be said to be inextricably linked. Lack of sufficient sleep results in numerous health problems which are all associated with the cardiovascular system, such as hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes. Cardiologist specialist in Ahmedabad, Dr. Jignesh Patel from Ahmedabad also emphasizes the significance of sleeping to ensure that the heart is healthy.
Thus, following the regular sleep schedule, making your bedroom suitable for sleeping and learning to avoid stress, it is possible to achieve better quality of night’s rest and prevent heart diseases. In case of challenges experiencing the normal night sleep, one should consult a doctor. Thus, it is essential to bear in mind that a good night’s sleep is not just a plus; it is an absolute necessity for one’s heart.
