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Insomnia and Cardiovascular Health: Exploring the Link Between Sleep Disorders and Cardiac Arrhythmias

  • Invasive Electrophysiology and Pacing (EK Heist, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), driven by modern lifestyles, have increased, with atrial fibrillation (AF) being a major concern linked to heart failure and stroke. Insomnia affects a large population, especially younger individuals, males, and menopausal women, decreasing the quality of life and potentially causing autonomic disturbances and cardiac arrhythmias.

Purpose of Review

This review explores the link between insomnia and cardiac arrhythmias, particularly AF, and its impact on cardiovascular health and emphasizes the need to address insomnia in individuals with cardiac arrhythmias by tailored strategies for sleep management to improve their overall well-being.

Recent Findings

Recent findings emphasize maintaining a regular sleep schedule to lower AF and bradyarrhythmia risks. Better sleep scores correlate with reduced AF and bradyarrhythmia risks, while insomnia increases AF risk, particularly in those under 40 years of age. Studies underscore the potential impact of sleep management in reducing cardiovascular risks and highlight the importance of addressing sleep issues to improve cardiovascular health outcomes.

Summary

Our review presents compelling evidence connecting insomnia and AF. Improving sleep patterns and addressing sleep issues can reduce AF risk, benefiting cardiovascular health. A comprehensive approach for managing at-risk individuals with cardiac arrhythmias, considering co-existing conditions, can decrease long-term disease burden and expenses. Incorporating sleep assessments and interventions into cardiovascular risk management, especially for those with insomnia, is recommended. Further research is needed to fully comprehend the complex relationship between insomnia and cardiac arrhythmias.

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Bhatt, P., Patel, V., Motwani, J. et al. Insomnia and Cardiovascular Health: Exploring the Link Between Sleep Disorders and Cardiac Arrhythmias. Curr Cardiol Rep 25, 1211–1221 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-023-01939-x

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