Heart-Related Dangers of Being Short on Sleep

While previous studies show a link between sleep deprivation and cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and obesity, the reasons why sleep loss might lead to these effects has been unclear. Keith Pugh, from the University of Birmingham (United Kingdom), and colleagues assessed the effects of partial sleep deprivation on blood vessels and breathing control. Their results suggest that reducing sleep length over two consecutive nights leads to less healthy vascular function and impaired breathing control. The study authors submit that: “These results suggest that acute sleep restriction affects both respiratory and vascular control … partial sleep deprivation can be a precursor to conditions such as sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease.”