A recent study by researchers from Kumamoto University and the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center has found that insufficient sleep is linked to a higher risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in working-age adults. The research used a one-week Holter electrocardiogram with an accelerometer to objectively measure actual sleep duration, moving beyond previous studies that relied on self-reported data.
The study focused on two age groups: individuals in their 50s, considered peak working age, and those in their 70s, representing retirement age. Among participants in their 50s, shorter sleep duration was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of AF. The researchers noted that each additional minute of sleep was linked to a measurable reduction in AF risk for this group. However, no clear association between sleep duration and AF risk was observed among participants in their 70s.
The study also found that while longer sleep generally reduced the risk of AF, excessively long sleep did not offer further benefits, especially for older adults. The results indicate that inadequate sleep may be a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor for middle-aged people who are exposed to work-related stress and demanding schedules.
"Our results provide objective evidence that sleep duration matters for heart rhythm health, particularly in working adults," said Dr. Tadashi Hoshiyama of Kumamoto University. "Securing sufficient sleep may help reduce the burden of atrial fibrillation."
The findings suggest that as modern lifestyles increasingly reduce time available for rest, prioritizing adequate sleep could play a role in maintaining heart health.
