{"id":19357,"date":"2025-08-14T09:40:41","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T08:40:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absolwent.umw.edu.pl\/?p=19357"},"modified":"2025-08-14T09:40:41","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T08:40:41","slug":"what-does-sleep-say-about-our-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absolwent.umw.edu.pl\/en\/what-does-sleep-say-about-our-health\/","title":{"rendered":"What does sleep say about our health?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fatigue despite a good night’s sleep, and awakenings we don’t remember but feel the effects during the day. Oxygen deprivation, which we don’t notice, puts a strain on our hearts. Obstructive sleep apnea (\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>OSA<\/span><\/strong><\/em>\u00a0) and\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>arterial<\/span><\/strong><\/em>\u00a0hypertension (AH) are two disorders that are becoming increasingly common and dangerous over the years.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Researchers from the Wroc\u0142aw Medical University, in collaboration with the Wroc\u0142aw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, have discovered that how we sleep can be a barometer not only of cardiovascular health but also of the overall health of the body. They conducted an advanced analysis of sleep architecture, electrolyte levels, and vitamin D in individuals with suspected obstructive sleep apnea. Two groups were identified from 133 patients: those with hypertension and those with normal blood pressure. All underwent overnight polysomnography and blood chemistry analysis. The results reveal much more than just differences in blood pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

People with hypertension more often experienced:<\/span>
\n\u2013<\/span>\u00a0a higher\u00a0<\/span>apnea-hypopnea<\/span><\/em>\u00a0index (AHI),<\/span>
\n\u2013<\/span>\u00a0greater decreases in oxygen saturation (\u00a0<\/span>oxygen desaturation index<\/span><\/em>\u00a0\u2013 ODI),<\/span>
\n\u2013<\/span>\u00a0more nighttime awakenings,\u00a0<\/span>
\n\u2013<\/span>\u00a0a significantly shortened REM phase, crucial for the regeneration of the nervous system,<\/span>
\n\u2013<\/span>\u00a0a greater number of nocturnal limb movements (\u00a0<\/span>periodic limb movements in sleep<\/span><\/em>\u00a0\u2013 PLMS).<\/span><\/p>\n

All this translates into poorer sleep quality with consequences for heart health, metabolism and regenerative abilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vitamin D \u2013 not everything is clear<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Although vitamin D deficiency is often cited as a risk factor for hypertension, the study found no differences in vitamin D levels between hypertensive and normotensive patients. However, lower vitamin D levels were associated with poorer sleep parameters, including increased apnea and hypoxia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Magnesium, calcium, uric acid \u2013 traces in blood chemistry<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The study also showed:<\/span>
\n\u2013<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0reduced magnesium levels in patients with hypertension,<\/span>
\n\u2013<\/span>\u00a0higher levels of uric acid, CRP and glucose,<\/span>
\n\u2013<\/span>\u00a0a relationship between low magnesium and calcium levels and sleep fragmentation,<\/span>
\n\u2013<\/span>\u00a0a positive correlation between uric acid levels and the severity of apnea.<\/span><\/p>\n

This creates a picture of more complex metabolic connections that may promote the development of hypertension and sleep disorders, as well as complicate their treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Conclusions: Sleep as a Biomarker of General Health<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The results suggest that sleep quality\u2014assessed objectively using polysomnography\u2014may be a valuable indicator of cardiovascular and metabolic risk. Reduced sleep efficiency, fragmentation, changes in REM sleep duration, and increased nocturnal awakenings may signal underlying health issues, especially in individuals with hypertension.<\/span><\/p>\n

Did you know that\u2026?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n