Irregular sleep patterns increase heart disease risk by 26%, study finds

In an analysis of the sleep habits of over 72,000 people, researchers have identified a concerning pattern that could dramatically increase the risk of major cardiovascular problems.

The findings, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, highlight the importance of consistent sleep routines, suggesting that irregular sleep habits can significantly elevate health risks, even for those who meet the recommended sleep duration.

Sleep duration isn't enough

While the study took into account a wide range of factors that can influence cardiovascular health—such as smoking, alcohol intake, medication use, mental health, and shift work—the key discovery lies in the consistency of sleep. The researchers found that while the generally recommended sleep duration is 7-9 hours for adults aged 18 to 64, and 7-8 hours for those over 65, it wasn’t just the quantity of sleep that mattered.

Even individuals who managed to get the right amount of sleep, but had irregular sleep patterns, were still at a heightened risk for heart disease. "Getting enough sleep isn't enough. The key is to have regular periods of sleep that don't vary much from day to day," said the researchers.

A call for greater focus on sleep regularity

The study’s authors argue that greater attention should be paid to sleep regularity in public health guidelines and clinical practice due to its significant role in cardiovascular health. “More attention needs to be paid to sleep regularity in public health guidelines and clinical practice due to its role in cardiovascular health,” the researchers wrote in their paper.

They also stressed the need for future studies to explore whether interventions aimed at improving sleep regularity might help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

In the meantime, experts are urging individuals to not only ensure they get enough sleep but to also maintain consistent sleeping patterns to protect their heart health.