A healthy sleep wards off heart disease. People who are not able to get a good 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night are more likely to be at risk of cardiovascular disorders and coronary heart problems. So if you think sleep is a luxury or have a notion that sleep has nothing to do with your cardiovascular health then we are here to debunk those myths.
How do sleep disturbances cause heart problems?
As per a study published in 2019 in the online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, people who have trouble sleeping are more likely to have a stroke, heart attack or other cerebrovascular or cardiovascular diseases. Sleep deprivation also causes heart palpitations in many cases.
Another body function poor sleep impacts is the blood pressure. Our blood pressure normally goes down during sleep. Someone who is experiencing sleep problems will continue to maintain a higher blood pressure for a longer amount of time. This actually increases the risks for heart disease and stroke.
What sleep problems can cause heart failure?
Sleep related disturbances and heart health are very much interconnected. One impacts the other greatly which makes it crucial to maintain a healthy sleep routine for a well functioning heart.
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder related to interruption in breathing during sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, stroke, irregular heartbeats, and even heart failure. As per a research,untreated sleep apnea may raise the risk of dying from heart disease by up to five times.
Though the condition is more prevalent among people aged 50 or more, it can also affect people of all ages and even children. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle which includes eating well, exercising regularly, staying away from alcohol and smoking and also not depending on sleeping pills are good ways to prevent sleep apnea.
Side sleeping may also help improve the condition and its symptoms by reducing snoring.
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Insomnia
It is a well-known fact that insomnia causes high blood pressure. Insomnia is the most common disorder amongst us humans. It is trouble falling and/or staying asleep. This can affect you both physically and mentally and be acute ( short-term) or chronic ( long-
Mattress is an essential part of your life as it directly influences your sleep and sleep influences your daily activities, mental health and fitness. Read on to know if you are in need of a new mattress.
As per a survey conducted by National Sleep Foundation, 92 percent of people said a comfortable mattress is important for a good night’s sleep. The function of a mattress is to provide the right amount of support to every part of the body while making sure you feel well rested both physically and mentally. Disadvantages of old mattress include, risk of allergies, orthopedic injuries and breathing problems.
So, how do you know that you need a new mattress? Here are the top 10 signs that are indicative of you sleeping on the wrong mattress:
- The mattress is more than 8 years old
A good quality branded mattress is made to last up 7-10 years, based on your usage and warranty. While most people tend to not pay attention to how old their mattress is, they also assume it to last forever and provide the same comfort even after supporting your body weight every night for years.
It is highly recommended to switch to a new mattress every 7--8 years to continue getting the same level of comfort and support.
- You are up all night
Too much tossing and turning or waking up frequently to adjust your position isn’t a good sign and can adversely affect your sleep quality and overall health. The culprit is highly likely to be your mattress and you should address the issue immediately, especially if you are not a victim of stress or poor sleep hygiene.
- You don’t wake up feeling refreshed & relaxed
A comfortable mattress will improve your sleep quality and help you get a deep sleep experience. If you wake up feeling tired and lethargic every morning, your mattress might be causing your body to work overtime to find the ideal sleeping position.
- You wake up with aches and pains
A mattress can over time lose its ability to provide the right support. Since sleep is the time your body recovers and rejuvenates after the stress experienced during the day, sleeping on the wrong mattress can lead to waking up with a sore back or stiff neck in the morning. It is best to address the issue right at the beginning.
- Your mattress has lumps or is sagging
Visible lumps and sagging of a mattress are never a good sign and is a clear indication of getting the mattress replaced. A lumpy or sagging mattress will provide uneven pressure on the body and can lead to body pain and aches.
- Your mattress has signs of wear and tear
Common signs of wear and tear include stains, a dip in the middle of the mattress or you sinking more than 2 inches into the mattress. Inferior quality mattresses are more likely to lose shape and age faster and call for a replacement.
- You have active allergies
If your skin is acting up during the night or first thing in the morning, your mattress might be the reason as with time mattresses can lose breathability and also become home to dust mites and allergens. These irritants can trigger allergic reactions and replacing the mattress might be the only solution.
It is also advised to maintain proper sleep hygiene to keep your mattress fresh and hygienic. Using a mattress protector is also important to protect your mattress from harmful bacteria, fungi and dust mites.
- You get better sleep elsewhere
If you are struggling to fall asleep in your bed but end up getting better sleep on a different mattress, you need to consider upgrading your mattress. It is a way for your body to tell you that you can actually relax and get better sleep on a different mattress.
- You went through a lifestyle change
Often the most ignored sign, lifestyle changes like weight gain, pregnancy and marriage are contributing factors which call for a mattress upgrade. Weight fluctuation and change in sleep habits can impact the mattress and its layers, making your sleep space incapable of providing adequate comfort.
An injury or health condition can also be a reason to switch to a certain type of mattress like an orthopedic mattress designed to offer advanced back and spine support.
- Your mattress is noisy or smelly
If squeaks and creaks are a part of your sleep, then you need to replace your mattress as it indicates damage in the foundation layers of the mattress. A smelly mattress is also a sign of it being toxic or unhygienic for everyday use.
How to choose the right mattress?
Now that you have decided your mattress needs to be replaced, the next big step is to find the right one to say goodbye to your sleep problems. Sleep experts recommend choosing a mattress based on your sleep habits and preferences to get the best value for your money and effort. Benefits of a new mattress are many and our easy 7 step guide to buying a mattress can help take the right decision.
This detailed Mattress Buying Guide developed by our sleep experts can also help you pick the right mattress based on your needs and preferences.
In a nutshell, the best mattress for back and neck pain are orthopedic mattresses. Our Duropedic range is a good choice as it is tested and recommended by doctors at the National Health Academy for its advanced 5 zoned orthopedic support layer.
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Insomnia is also said to make heart-failure symptoms worse as it triggers the body's stress response, which ultimately weakens the heart over time.
There are many other sleep disorders that impact our overall health and well being, also indirectly affecting our heart health. A good sleep schedule is a key to preventing such sleep disturbances.
How is peaceful sleep the key to a healthy heart?
We no longer have any reason to encourage sleep deprivation especially among young adults and teens or see it as a testament to hard work. With our lifestyles becoming increasingly complex and challenging, it is advisable to listen to our bodies and nourish ourselves with healthy food and good sleep. As per a study, adolescents who don’t sleep well are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular problems. It also doesn’t take a severe sleeping disorder like sleep apnea to see the effects on our heart, poor sleeping habits due to work schedule, and compromised sleep hygiene is enough to put our heart health at risk.
Anybody who is able to understand the importance of sleep as an immunity booster and in maintaining good heart health will surely stay invested in the subject and take measures to improve sleep quality for a long, healthy and disease-free life.
With sleep also helping us in boosting our immunity levels, it is recommended to have a healthy sleep environment at home that will encourage a more enriching sleep every night. Choosing the right mattress plays a crucial role in making this possible.
Do invest an ample amount of time in selecting the mattress. It is an intimate product, needs to be picked as per your personal needs, be hygienic, and come from a brand you can trust. Check out our mattress buying guide for more help.
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