New research from Uppsala University in Sweden has revealed how even short-term sleep deprivation can chemically alter the body in ways that may raise the risk of cardiovascular disease. Scientists have long known that insufficient sleep harms the heart, but this study identifies specific biological markers that shift after just three nights of restricted rest. Participants who slept for only around four hours a night showed elevated levels of inflammatory proteins—molecules that the body typically produces in response to stress or illness.
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The study, conducted in a tightly controlled laboratory setting, involved 16 healthy young men. These participants followed two distinct routines: one of normal sleep (8.5 hours per night) and another of sleep restriction (just over 4 hours). After each phase, the men performed high-intensity cycling, and researchers analysed their blood both before and after exercise. Results indicated that sleep deprivation triggered significant increases in inflammatory markers tied to conditions such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
Interestingly, the benefits of exercise, which normally include boosts to proteins that support heart and brain health, were notably muted when the men were sleep-deprived. What’s more, researchers found that the timing of blood collection affected the levels of these proteins, with morning and evening samples showing considerable differences—particularly following disrupted sleep. This suggests that both the presence and timing of these biological changes are influenced by sleep patterns.
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These findings are especially concerning given how widespread poor sleep has become, with shift work and screen time often taking precedence over rest. The study highlights that even in young, healthy individuals, a few nights of inadequate sleep can trigger harmful changes in the blood. While modern life tends to glorify burning the candle at both ends, the body appears to track this quietly and relentlessly—through chemical shifts that may have long-term consequences for cardiovascular health.
