Sleep is vital for health, and adults should aim for 7-9 hours per night, as recommended by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. It's important to remember that healthy sleep depends not just on the duration but also on the quality. Even with 8 hours of sleep, feeling unrested indicates poor sleep. A more concerning issue is that prolonged lack of sleep can negatively impact heart health. An expert explains how and ways to minimise the risk.   How Poor Sleep Quality Affects Heart Health Dr Sanjay Bhat, Senior Consultant - Interventional Cardiology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, says, "Sleep deprivation disrupts the body's delicate balance, leading to elevated blood pressure, increased inflammation, and insulin resistance." Due to increased , inflammation, and changes in blood pressure regulation, poor sleep quality can cause blood vessels to thicken, which can restrict blood flow and lead to tissue and organ damage. This combination can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. A 2010 study published in Current Cardiology Reviews also found that people in Western countries are sleeping less than they used to, and this lack of sleep is linked to higher rates of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Researchers noted that this is because sleep deprivation can increase stress hormones in the body, which can lead to these health problems. Sleep disorder, characterised by , is closely linked to heart disease. If ignored, it may lead to high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and even heart attacks, Dr Bhat warns. Can Chronic Sleep Deprivation Contribute To Heart Disease Risk? The Sleep Foundation describes sleep deprivation as "going a whole night without sleep or sleeping very little for one or two nights." Chronic sleep deprivation is when someone does not get enough sleep or has poor quality sleep over a prolonged period of time. As per the charity, this can contribute to a range of health problems, such as heart diseases, that may become life-threatening. "Insomnia, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), sleep apnoea, and obstructive sleep are some of the sleep disorders that could pose a risk to heart health," Dr Bhat highlights.  How To Recognise Sleep Deprivation Some common signs of sleep deprivation include:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Poor concentration
• Impaired memory
• Mood changes and irritability
• Feeling less interested in things
• Weight gain

Sleep Hygiene Practices To Follow "Exploring strategies to improve sleep quality and quantity, such as creating a bedtime routine and practising relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or light stretches, do help; following a consistent sleep routine, maintaining a cosy and low-light atmosphere in the room, avoiding caffeine close to bedtime, and creating a comfortable sleep environment can help promote better sleep, and this could contribute to better heart health," says Dr Bhat. One must aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night and ensure that the quality of sleep is also prioritised.