Insomnia is not unusual in women, especially during midlife. But how does that relate to increase cardiovascular risk over time? According to a research article recently published in Circulation, an American Heart Association journal, persistent insomnia symptoms and increasing insomnia symptoms over time had a higher ratio of cardiovascular disease over time. This study shows women and chronic insomnia over time increases risk for cardiovascular disease.
SWAN (Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation) participants were assessed over a period of 22 years. Women who had both persistent high insomnia symptoms and short sleep (around 5 hours) had significantly elevated cardiovascular risk.
Identified clinical implications, according to the publication, are:
- Insomnia symptoms and short sleep duration are common issues facing women in midlife.
- These findings underscore the importance of sleep problems over midlife to women’s cardiovascular health later in life.
- The study findings highlight the importance of treating sleep problems to reduce women’s cardiovascular disease risk as they age.
Get your sleep, ladies and stress the importance of sleep to your colleagues, patients and providers!
February is American Heart Month
You have the power to take action to protect yourself against heart disease. Small heart-healthy actions like adding more movement to our day, getting an adequate amount of sleep or choosing healthy foods, can have a big impact on protecting. #OurHearts.
Visit the Great Plains Quality Innovation Web site for more information, resources and tools on chronic disease prevention and management.
Listen to our Podcast, Q-Tips For Your Ears!
Cardiac Rehab Do It For Your Heart: Following a diagnosis of heart attack or heart failure, or after a procedure such as a heart stent or heart surgery, participating in cardiac rehab is one of the best things you can do for your heart.