Thursday, July 2, 2009

A good night's sleep may be heart healthy

Research published from the Whitehall II study group, which is part-funded by the British Heart Foundation, finds that women who have fewer hours of sleep tend to have higher levels of circulating chemicals that indicate general inflammation. In response, June Davison, cardiac nurse at the BHF said: "This study found that women - but not men - who sleep less tend to have indicators of increased inflammation, measured by testing for two chemical 'markers' in the blood. "It is thought that inflammation in our body is related to heart and circulatory disease. "Previous research suggests that a good night's sleep may help to keep our heart and circulation healthy, and this study could point to an underlying reason behind that finding. "We should all try to get enough sleep - as it's likely to be good for heart health as well as overall health." For more information please call the BHF press office on 020 7554 0164 or 07764 290 381 (out of office hours) or email newsdesk@bhf.org.uk

Statement issued in response to: Sex Differences in the Cross-Sectional Relationships Between Sleep Duration and Markers of Inflammation: Whitehall II Study. Michelle A. Miller SLEEP 2009;32(7)

No comments: