Insufficient sleep has become a major problem in France. On average, LFrench sleep only 6 hours and 42 minutes on weekdays and 7 hours and 25 minutes on weekendswell below the 7 to 9 hours recommended. This chronic deprivation is not without consequences, especially when too short nights accumulate.
A study of theUniversity of Uppsala published in Biomarker Research Sour alarming light on this question. Researchers have shown that three consecutive nights limited to 4 hours of sleep are enough to trigger the appearance of inflammatory proteins associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Measurable heart effects in young adults
For this study, scientists followed 16 young men in perfect health subject to two protocols: Three nights of normal sleep then three nights limited to 4 hours. Blood samples were taken after each period, including measures after an intense exercise session.
The analysis of 90 proteins revealed that several inflammatory markers increased after shortened nights. Jonathan Cedernaes, director of the study, underlines: ” It is interesting to note that these proteins have increased in young people and in perfect health after only a few nights of lack of sleep. »»
Physical exercise: beneficial but not miraculous
The study shows that physical activity retains its beneficial effects even in the event of lack of sleep. However, Dr. Cedernaes specifies: ” If the exercise can partially compensate for the negative effects of poor sleep, it cannot replace the essential functions that sleep fulfills. Researchers plan to extend their investigations to develop better recommendations on prevention of cardiovascular disease.
A study whose results could help to better understand certain ailments handicapping many people and which, above all, in terms, could have a significant impact on the health of thousands of individuals in France, but also through the rest of the world, the quality of sleep that tends to decline everywhere.
