From the first shortened night, sleep deprivation has effects on the heart. Blood pressure rises, as does the heart rate.
Sleepless nights are frequent among French workers. Between health professionals who keep watch and those who do the “three-eights”, many are the active who see their sleep cut short. The effects of chronic debt are well known. But from the first deprivation, effects appear on the cardiovascular system. This was shown by a pilot study presented at the Annual Congress of the Radiological Society of North America, which was held from November 27 to December 2 in Chicago (United States).
The research took place at the University of Bonn (Germany). The authors of the work recruited 20 of their healthy radiologist colleagues. During the follow-up, they each performed a 24-hour shift, during which they slept 3 hours on average. All of these volunteers had a cardiovascular MRI before and after the on-call period. This tool makes it possible to measure cardiac suffering and its evolution. Blood and urine samples were also collected.
Heart and thyroid suffer
Sleepless nights have an impact on the heart, the authors conclude. The contractility of the myocardium increases significantly after custody. The blood pressure also rises, and the pulse quickens. This is the first time that such a phenomenon has been highlighted.
The heart is not the only organ to suffer. The thyroid, a gland that regulates many hormones, has difficulty experiencing sleep deprivation. The level of TSH, FT3 and FT4 – three essential hormones – rises sharply after custody. Likewise, cortisol levels skyrocket. This marker reflects the stress to which volunteers are subjected.
An impact on weight
These results are not reassuring, but the study does not specify whether the effects are reversible or temporary. In addition, “The participants were not allowed to consume caffeine, or foods and beverages that contain theobromine, such as chocolate, nuts or tea,” says Daniel Kuetting who led the work. Environmental factors were also not taken into account.
Better to avoid accumulating sleep debt. Especially since, when they become chronic, health problems accumulate. Sleeping too little stimulates appetite and promotes obesity. Impulses are also more difficult to control when the body is not rested. So many good reasons to go to bed a little earlier when possible.
.