In a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, it has been suggested that middle-aged women who consistently sleep less than five hours per night may face a 75 percent higher risk of heart failure or stroke. The study tracked nearly 3,000 women aged 42 to 52 over a span of 16 years.

Each year, the participants filled out surveys regarding their sleep patterns, including the number of hours slept on average and whether they experienced insomnia symptoms. Additionally, health questionnaires were completed to monitor the presence of ongoing diseases or health issues.

The data analysis revealed a strong correlation between inadequate sleep and cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. Even after accounting for factors such as BMI and underlying health conditions, the relationship between sleep duration and heart health remained significant.

According to the researchers, insufficient sleep can lead to increased blood pressure and insulin resistance, which in turn can damage blood vessels. Furthermore, lack of sleep may contribute to obesity due to the disruption of hunger and fullness hormones.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all adults get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. However, alarming survey results indicate that as many as one in three adults fail to meet this target. Specifically, among middle-aged women, approximately half do not obtain the recommended seven hours of sleep on a nightly basis.

The study published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation utilized data from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), which tracked thousands of women over 22 years. During the 16-year study period, 200 cardiovascular events were reported, including 23 fatalities. These events encompassed heart attacks, myocardial infarctions, and treatment for coronary artery disease.

An analysis adjusting for various factors revealed that women sleeping less than five hours per night were 72 percent more likely to suffer from heart disease than those sleeping six and a half hours on average. Furthermore, women with insomnia symptoms occurring more than three times per week and less than five hours of sleep per night had a 75 percent higher risk of heart disease compared to those who slept the recommended amount and rarely experienced insomnia symptoms.

The study authors, led by cardiologist Dr. Rebecca Thurston, emphasized the significance of persistent insomnia symptoms and shorter sleep duration in midlife as related to higher cardiovascular disease risk among women.

It is important to note that sleep duration and insomnia symptoms were self-reported in the study and were not monitored using medical devices. The researchers also did not consider other factors influencing sleep quality, such as timing, regularity, or sleep stages.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women in the United States, with an estimated 300,000 deaths per year. This study sheds light on the significance of adequate sleep in reducing the risk of heart disease among middle-aged women.

While further research is needed to expand on these findings and provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between sleep and heart health, it is clear that prioritizing a proper sleep routine is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular well-being.