Insomnia May Triple Risk of Heart Failure

By Michael J. Breus

Link: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/sleep-newzzz/201305/insomnia-may-triple-risk-heart-failure

Summary:

Researches in Norway created at large-scale investigation on the relationship between insomnia and heart failure, having over 50.000 people ages 20-89 with no evident symptoms of heart failure record data, focusing on those who had difficulty sleeping, difficulty staying asleep, and those who felt unrested in the morning. Researchers found 1,400 people developing heart disease, and around the uncontrolled factors, found that any of the three symptoms of insomnia increased the risk of heart failure, and all three symptoms can triple the risk. Poor sleep is also linked to higher blood pressure. Lack of sleep is associated with calcium build up in the arteries, and inflammation and dysfunction in the nervous system. Further research is needed to find the root of the relationship between sleep problems and cardiovascular disease.

Connection:

In class we have discussed how higher blood pressure and buildup of calcium in the arteries leads to clotting, and eventually cardiovascular disease. This can then lead to different forms of heart disease. Resting the body and allowing it to fully recharge helps the body recuperate, and keeps calcium and blood clots from forming. Lack of sleep also playing a part in the inflammation and dysfunction of the nervous system also relates to class discussion, as when the nervous system becomes dysfunctional the body's response  and overall movement becomes slower as a result.