There is a bidirectional relationship between coronary artery diseases and insomnia. While insomnia increases heart diseases, heart diseases also cause insomnia. Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Murat Gençbay gave information about the effects of insomnia on heart health.
First of all, it is worth noting that sleep is not a passive action and is a very important process for health. The brain is very active during sleep. Many physiological processes occur. Therefore, we have to give due importance to sleep. Unfortunately, today's living conditions have become more stressful and this has brought about sleep problems.
Sleep is one of the most important needs of the heart
Prof. Dr. Murat Gençbay, '' The prevalence of sleep problems in society at some point in life is approximately 50%, and permanent sleep problems are 10%. This high rate also brings serious health problems. In a 2017 European Journal of Cardiology study involving 13,000 people, it was found that those who slept less (less than 6 hours a day) had a 71% increased risk of coronary heart disease (blockage in the heart vessels, a heart attack) and a 45% increased risk of having a stroke. Similar rates were revealed in an analysis of approximately 500,000 people in 2011. "Interestingly, similar increases are observed in those who sleep for a long time (more than 9 hours a day)," he said.
Insomnia Leads to Diabetes
Prof. . Dr. Gençbay stated that insomnia is associated with obesity, hypertension and diabetes and continued: “The controversial point is whether insomnia causes heart attacks due to an increase in these risk factors or a direct relationship. While some researchers argue that insomnia and coronary artery disease are independent of them, some researchers argue that this relationship is indirect. The hormone leptin, which is the satiety hormone, is secreted during sleep. After insomnia, leptin hormone remains at low levels and ghrelin hormone increases. Ghrelin is the hunger hormone and interestingly, it also increases the tendency towards unhealthy foods. This will prevent you from getting fat. is flowing. Additionally, there is an increase in insulin resistance in those who suffer from insomnia. This can lead to sugar spikes and diabetes. After insomnia, adrenergic hormones and cortisone levels increase, causing disruption in sugar metabolism and increasing blood pressure.''
Stating that sleep apnea is a syndrome of respiratory arrest, Dr. Gençbay drew attention to the following issues: "Sleep apnea is associated with obesity. It is especially common in people who have a short neck and a very wide neck area and whose lower jaw is backwards. The reason is that the air passage area in the pharynx becomes narrower (cause of snoring) and this passage is completely blocked by the relaxation of the muscles during sleep (apnea, stopping breathing). The patient's brain wakes up due to lack of oxygen, muscle tension increases and breathing begins again. This event may reoccur sometimes even every 2-3 minutes throughout the night. The brain cannot achieve healthy sleep, and serious health problems arise as a result."
Tips for a Healthy Sleep
Especially heavy meals a few hours before bedtime. Stating that it is important not to eat, especially food, Dr. Gençbay said, "Alcohol impairs sleep quality, so it is recommended not to drink alcohol 6-8 hours before and to stay away from drinks containing caffeine. It is necessary to avoid exercise a few hours before bedtime." "It has been determined that morning and evening walks improve the quality of sleep. It is important for the bedroom to be cool, ventilated, quiet and dark. Using a blue light filter on computers and phones in the evening may also be beneficial. Blue light reduces melatonin levels and delays falling asleep," he said.
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