It seems that those who suffer from insomnia or do not rest well at night are more at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack – explains Dr. Vincenzo Tullo, neurologist specialist and head of the migraine clinic at Humanitas. The causes of this report are still unclear, but insomnia and other sleep disorders are thought to be acting by increasing risk factors for heart and cardiovascular health. In particular, sleep disorders would change metabolism and endocrine functions, and thus alter blood pressure and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (in particular interleukin 6 and TNF alpha), which are all factors leading to heart attack and stroke. If lifestyle behaviors include smoking, alcohol, caffeine and high fat foods, the chance of developing cardiovascular disease is greater. Furthermore, if you do not sleep well or at all, the body does not produce leptin, a hormone that stimulates the sense of satiety and, by extension, eliminates the risk of obesity, which is also important for the health of the heart and cardiovascular system. However, good sleep does not only protect against stroke and heart attack. It seems that a good continuous and restorative sleep also removes the risk of Alzheimer’s, since during rest the brain is able to eliminate toxins and other substances harmful to health that, if accumulated in the brain, lead to the development of this disease. In addition, sleeping little reduces concentration, memory and weakens the immune system.
It is therefore important to consult a specialist in the event of insomnia and other disorders to solve the problem and recover well being, as well as to prevent future risks.
