Various disordered sleep patterns have been shown to have significant effect on cardiovascular health. Studies have found that in particularly disrupted sleep, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, long or short-durations of sleep as well as sleep insufficiency have each been associated with higher cardiac-metabolic morbidity 1, 2, 3.
Studies find that sleep insufficiency in healthy adults, is associated with an increase in peripheral circulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines; leukocytes and interleukin (IL)-6 4, 5 as well as C-reactive protein (CRP), a protein that is released when inflammation is present in the body 6.
Inflammation of the arteries is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, therefore increased concentration of high sensitivity CRP, may be predictive of future cardiovascular disease or conditions including Type II Diabetes or Stroke 7.
A study of total sleep deprivation over 88hrs, in healthy individuals found that CRP increased as well as Blood Pressure, whilst a second part of the experiment subjected adults to partial sleep deprivation (restricted 4.2hrs p/night over 10 days) was also accompanied by increased heart rate 8.
This is highly suggestive that sleep insufficiency itself, can directly contribute to inflammation and when prolonged or severe.., to significant cardiovascular risk.
Furthermore, studies also show that these effects are more complex than simply dependant on a reduced duration of sleep per night.
Instead., experimental conditions have also shown some variance in circadian aspects for people who excessively or over-sleep., as well as a difference in the relationship patterns of the inflammatory markers amongst men and women, age and differences between race/ ethnicity groups 9.
Therefore complex components of various parameters within our sleep quality, including erratic sleep behaviours and patterns are also implicated, and as such concluded.
Managing efficient sleep.., is asimportant.., and should be treated with as much importance, as we often treat diet and exercise for optimal health.
References
1. Schwartz, W., Cornoni-Huntley, J., et al. (1998) Are sleep complaints an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction. Ann Epidemiol, 8 (1998), pp. 384-392.
2. Avas, N. T., White, D.P., Manson, J. E. et al. (2003) A prospective study of sleep duration and coronary heart disease in women. Arch Intern Med, 163 (2003), pp. 205-209
3. Liu, Y., Tanaka, H. (2002) Overtime work, insufficient sleep, and risk of non-fatal acute myocardial infarction in Japanese men. Occup Environ Med, 59 (2002), pp. 447-451
4. Born, J., Lange, T,. Hansen, K. et al.(1997) Effects of sleep and circadian rhythm on human circulating immune cells. J Immunol, 158 (1997), pp. 4454.
5. Shearer, W. T., Reuben, J. M., Mullington., J. et al. (2001) Soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor I and IL-6 concentrations in humans subjected to the sleep deprivation model of space flight. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 107 (2001), pp. 165-170.
6. Shamsuzzaman, A. M. Lanfranchi, P., M., et al. (2002) Elevated C-reactive protein in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Circulation. 105 (2002), pp. 2462.
7. Hirschfield, G. M (2004) C-reactive protein and other circulating markers of inflammation in the prediction of coronary heart disease. N Engl J Med. 2004;350:1387–1397.
8. Meier-Ewert, H. K., Ridker, P. M., Rifai, N., Regan, M. M., Price, N. J., Dinges, D. F., Mullington. J.M. (2003) Effect of sleep loss on C-Reactive protein, an inflammatory marker of cardiovascular risk. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Volume 43, Issue 4, 18 February 2004, Pages 678-683.
9. Grandner, M. A., Buxton, O. M., Sands-Lincoln, M., Pandey, A., Girardin, J. (2013) Extreme Sleep Durations and Increased C-Reactive Protein: Effects of Sex and Ethnoracial Group. Sleep, Volume 36, Issue 5, 1 May 2013, Pages 769–779.
Originally published: 26/02/2023 This article was recently reviewed by author for accuracy and updated on 2nd October 2026, to include the latest information and taxonomy.
Whilst every care is taken to ensure accurate, reputable and the most recent sources and research for this information, this content is not intended as substitute for advice or treatment from a professional clinician. As with conventional medicines, herbal and natural medicines have active ingredients and can have potent effects and interactions with the body, medications, and with other conditions. Especially for those who are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, it is advised to consult a professional herbalist or medical doctor before beginning any herbal, supplement or lifestyle program. Care and responsible administration is always strongly advocated.
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