Insomnia increases vascular plaque

Insomnia and difficulty sleeping in women before and after menopause can promote factors that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, according to survey results by American scientists from the United States. University of Pittsburgh reported at the annual conference of the North American Menopause Society in Orlando, Florida recently.

According to HealthDay News, the research team surveyed 256 women between 40 and 60 years old who did not have heart disease, did not use hormone medications or sleeping pills, and did not work night shifts. Participants wore a test bracelet to objectively monitor sleep duration, answered self-assessment questions about sleep quality, and had blood tests and vascular ultrasounds. Scientists found that less sleep was associated with more vascular plaque, and that people who slept only five to six hours a night tended to have the highest levels of vascular plaque. People who find themselves having difficulty sleeping also often have thicker blood vessel walls.

People who have trouble sleeping often have thicker blood vessel walls. Photo: Healthday news

Insomnia has long been linked to the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes, but this is the first study to highlight its ability to increase vascular plaque in older women.

According to Healthday news