Lack of sleep 'could cause heart damage'

Students who do not get enough quality sleep could be increasing their risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease, it has been claimed.

According to research by Case Western Reserve University in the US state of Ohio, those who sleep for less than 6.5 hours a night could be doubling their likelihood of developing high blood pressure, which can lead to the aforementioned conditions, the Daily Vidette reports.

"A full night of sleep translates into a healthier heart," the report said.

The results were established after the study looked at the effects of a below-standard night in bed on brain and heart function.

The Daily Vidette also noted previous research which had found that during rapid eye movement – a certain period of sleep – more blood is pumped by the heart to muscles which makes the heart relax and blood pressure decrease.

In related bed and sleep news, a recent report in STL Today suggested that children who snore may actually be suffering from sleep apnoea, which leads to brief awakenings in the night and therefore poorer quality shut-eye.

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