Recently, an article appeared in Het Laatste Nieuws about the connection between an irregular sleep pattern and cardiovascular diseases. This offered valuable insights, but also requires some additional explanations and nuances. As a pharmacist and advocate of preventive health care, I would like to highlight and clarify a few points.
What do we know now?
The University of Ottawa study convincingly demonstrates that irregular sleep patterns increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, even when someone gets enough sleep. This risk – a 26% increase in irregular sleepers – highlights that sleep quality and consistency are at least as important as sleep duration. The body functions on a biological rhythm that is closely linked to our internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm.
When we sleep and wake up regularly, we support this internal clock, which leads to more stable hormonal processes, better blood pressure regulation and a healthier metabolism. Major disruptions, such as sleeping in on the weekend or irregular working hours, can disrupt this rhythm and lead to health problems.
Important nuances
Although the study shows a strong link, we should be cautious about drawing firm conclusions. As Professor Naveed Sattar rightly points out, other factors, such as alcohol consumption or a generally unhealthy lifestyle, may partly explain why irregular sleepers are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. So it is not just the sleep pattern itself that matters, but also what a person does during their waking hours.
Furthermore, the Sleep Regularity Index (SRI) used is a relatively new measurement instrument. It provides useful insight into patterns, but leaves room for further refinement.
Practical tips
What can you do to improve your sleep health? Here are some tips:
- Keep a consistent schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, with a maximum deviation of 30-60 minutes.
- Create a restful sleep environment: Avoid screens before bed, keep the room dark and at a comfortable temperature.
- Be moderate with caffeine and alcohol: These substances can disrupt the natural sleep rhythm.
- Pay attention to your overall lifestyle: Regular exercise, a healthy diet and stress management contribute to a better night's sleep.
About catching up on sleep
Another important point made in the article is catching up on sleep on the weekends. While sleeping longer on days off can temporarily help reduce fatigue, it doesn’t fully compensate for the negative effects of chronic sleep deprivation. This shows that structural changes to your sleep habits are more effective than ad-hoc solutions.
Conclusion
The key message of the study is clear: a regular sleep pattern is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Although more research is needed to understand all the causal links, we can say with certainty that good sleep habits contribute to reducing the risk of serious health problems.
Do you have questions about sleep or would you like advice on how to improve your sleep quality? Don't hesitate to visit one of our partners .
Pharmacist Dirk
Founder Metis Supplements
