Lack of sleep linked to heart, thyroid and overall health risks

Russian cardiologist Elena Savchinkova-Belyatko has warned that insufficient sleep can lead to weight gain and serious issues affecting the heart, arteries, and thyroid gland.

Savchinkova-Belyatko explained that adults typically need about eight hours of sleep per day. She noted that sleeping fewer hours may contribute to obesity, as the hormone leptin, which signals satiety, is released only during sleep. This can increase appetite in those who do not get enough rest.

She added that regularly failing to get enough sleep slows thyroid function and affects the production of the hormone thyroxine, potentially resulting in hypothyroidism and conditions such as metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disorders.

The doctor emphasized that insufficient sleep increases daytime drowsiness and stress hormone levels, and may cause cognitive and metabolic disturbances, weaken immunity, and raise the risk of cancer and heart disease.

In a related context, a study from Brigham Hospital found that sleeping less than five hours per day is associated with a higher risk of dementia and increased likelihood of early death.

Another study revealed that sleeping less than 6.4 hours or more than 7.8 hours at night may accelerate age-related changes and increase the risk of chronic diseases.