Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep, which lowers the quality of our sleep. Insomnia usually occurs in those who are stressed, experiencing depression, and have an unhealthy lifestyle. Insomnia can also increase other health risks, including heart-related diseases.

In a previous article, it was stated that people with insomnia have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Insomnia can increase the risk of obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, all of which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The findings are further supported by the results of a recent study published in the Neurology journal recently. The researchers found that insomnia can increase the risk of heart disease.

In their study, researchers analysed 487,200 participants registered with China Kadoorie Biobank with an age range of 30-79 years old. Each participant was known to have no history of heart disease or stroke when the study began. The researchers analysed three symptoms of insomnia: difficulty falling asleep, difficulty to wake up in the morning, and difficulty in focusing during the day due to sleeping problems experienced by participants at least three days a week.

After a 9.6 year follow-up period, 130,032 participants were reported to have had a heart attack, stroke, and other heart-related diseases. Those who experience loss of focus during the day have a 13% higher risk of heart attack, stroke and other diseases. In addition, those who experience insomnia also have a 9% higher risk of the disease.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Adobe Stock Images

Source(s):

• Bang, Z., Canqing, Y., Jun, LL., et al (2019). Insomnia symptoms and risk of cardiovascular diseases among 0.5 million adults: A 10-year cohort. Neurology, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000008581.
• Medical News Today - The link between insomnia and cardiovascular disease (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327026.php#1, 20 November 2019.