New research suggests that the quality of sleep, not just its duration, plays a crucial role in determining a woman’s potential risk for heart disease and stroke as she navigates through menopause. The study, presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions conference in Philadelphia, reveals that women experiencing various sleep disturbances during peri- and postmenopause exhibit lower scores on key cardiovascular health measures compared to their premenopausal counterparts. These findings, although preliminary until full results are published in a peer-reviewed journal, emphasize the significance of monitoring sleep habits during the menopausal transition.
Lead investigator Dr. Brooke Aggarwal, an assistant professor of medical sciences in the cardiology division at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, urges women undergoing menopause to be vigilant about their sleep habits. The study sheds light on the commonality of sleep disturbances during menopause, prompting the need for open discussions about sleep-related concerns with healthcare professionals.
Previous research has indicated that approximately half of women experiencing menopause report difficulties with sleep, particularly issues like staying asleep or waking up too early. Factors such as hormonal changes and weight gain during menopause may contribute to increased risks of sleep apnea, a condition disrupting breathing patterns during sleep and potentially impacting overall well-being.
Numerous studies have established a connection between inadequate or poor-quality sleep and heightened risks of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association (AHA) has even included sleep duration as one of the eight essential measures for cardiovascular health, recommending adults aim for seven to nine hours per night. The Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) components also include not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, consuming a balanced diet, and managing blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels within normal ranges.
In this recent study, researchers explored whether various aspects of sleep, beyond its duration, could be linked to cardiovascular health risks. Data from 291 women aged 45 to 55, encompassing pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal stages, were analyzed. The participants were part of a weight study under the American Heart Association’s Research Goes Red initiative.
Key findings of the study revealed that half of the women slept less than seven hours per night, 79% reported poor sleep quality, 51% experienced insomnia, 12% considered themselves night owls, and one-third were at high risk for sleep apnea. Sleep quality, insomnia, sleep apnea risk, and being a night owl were found to impact both overall cardiovascular health and individual components of LE8.
Women with poor sleep quality were three times more likely to have poor overall cardiovascular health scores and were prone to scoring lower on the diet component. Night owls and those at high risk for sleep apnea had a threefold higher risk of poor overall cardiovascular health scores, with the latter group also showing poor scores for blood pressure, blood glucose, and weight. Insomnia was linked to poor scores for weight.
Dr. Michael Grandner, director of the sleep health and research program at the University of Arizona in Phoenix, emphasized the vulnerability women in this age group face concerning heart health and sleep problems. He urged women not to dismiss sleep problems as mere fatigue or stress, noting that addressing these issues is crucial for heart health.
The study underscores the interconnectedness of sleep patterns and cardiovascular health during menopause. As women navigate the challenges of this life stage, prioritizing good sleep practices, seeking professional help, and adopting preventive measures can contribute to overall well-being and reduced cardiovascular risks. Ignoring sleep problems, particularly during menopause, may have serious consequences for heart health, highlighting the importance of proactive care during this critical period in a woman’s life.
