“Losing an hour of sleep may not be the worst effect of the switch to daylight saving time”. Mini jet lag aside, the change also seems to have an impact on heart health: “Every year, in the following days, a marked increase in heart attacks and strokes is observed.” The experts of the American Heart Association (Aha) once again underline this in an analysis published online in view of the return to the 'Daylight saving time' which began in the USA on March 10th.
Three weeks later, moving the clock forward an hour fell to the Italians, many of whom are still yawning irritated by the repercussions of the 'forced time'. The invitation is also addressed to them not to overdo it with coffee: it is forbidden to “compensate with extra doses of caffeine”, warn US cardiologists. “It might seem like an extra cup or 2 helps get you through the midday slump, but too much caffeine isn't good for your heart.”
The study: the risks for those who don't sleep enough
According to a study on hospital admissions in the state of Michigan – the specialists illustrate – the Monday following the change to daylight saving time there was a 24% increase in heart attacks. This is a fact to be taken into particular consideration given that, according to various studies, more serious heart attacks occur on Mondays than on all other days of the week. Furthermore, Finnish research indicates an 8% increase in strokes in the first 2 days after the time change.
“We don't know exactly why there is an increase in heart attacks and strokes during the transition to daylight saving time,” says Maria Delgado-Lelievre, a hypertension specialist at the University of Miami's Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine and an AHA volunteer. “There's probably a connection with the interruption of the body's internal clock or circadian rhythm”, she hypothesizes. “It is important to be aware of this increased danger especially if you suffer from heart disease or have other risk factors”, specifies the expert, inviting to contact the emergency services immediately in case of suspicious symptoms.
American cardiologists take this opportunity to reiterate that “the quantity and quality of sleep, at any time of the year, is essential for good health. In addition to increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke – remarks Delgado-Lelievre – Lack of sleep also leads to increased chances of depression, cognitive decline and obesity.”.
Aha specialists cite some scientific works: a study published in the 'Journal of the American Heart Association' finds that variations in sleep duration greater than 2 hours per night in the same week are associated with atherosclerosis, while research on 'Hypertension' shows that the link between excess weight (particularly in the form of visceral fat on the abdomen) and high blood pressure in adolescents is stronger among those with irregular sleep patterns. Furthermore, another study appearing in the 'Journal of the American Heart Association' explains that after menopause, approximately one in 4 women can develop atrial fibrillation, and that it is mainly triggered by stress and poor sleep.
How many hours of sleep are needed?
But how long does 'right sleep' last? US cardiologists prescribe “7-9 hours a day for adults, 8-10 hours for children aged 13 to 18, 9-12 hours for children aged 6 to 12, 10-16 hours up to 5 years” . According to an abstract presented at the 2023 Scientific Sessions of the Aha, in the States over a third of children don't sleep when they should. But even among adults, the same percentage does not rest enough to ensure a healthy heart, adds Delgado-Lelievre.
The goodnight advice is the usual: healthy, balanced diet at regular times; be careful with sugary drinks, those containing caffeine and alcohol; avoid long afternoon naps, focusing on a regular night's rest and trying to maintain a fixed routine; relax before going to sleep by limiting exposure to blue light from cell phones and various screens. Finally, a trick: “Keep the alarm clock on the other side of the room, so that you are forced to get up to turn it off. Lazing in bed – the experts comment – worsens daytime drowsiness”.
#Sleep #heart #attack #risk #danger #sleep
