Men and women: Poorer sleep allows plaque to build
As you’re getting older, your brain and neurons begin to experience some changes and your “sleep architecture” suffers, reports the National Sleep Foundation. That means you’re actually more prone to waking up during the night for no reason and less likely to get the deep sleep your heart needs to function properly.
Women also have to deal with the symptoms of pre-menopause and menopause—hot flashes are well known for destroying your good night’s sleep.
“Shorter sleep duration and poorer quality of sleep seem to be associated with increased stiffness of the arteries and increased cholesterol plaque, especially in the carotid arteries,” says cardiologist Christine Jellis, MD, PhD, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic.
In a nutshell, consistent lack of sleep or reduced quality of sleep can have serious consequences for your heart health.
