Chronic sleep deprivation is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease , contributing to hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure . Adults sleeping less than 6 hours per night face a 20–30% higher risk of major cardiac events , and chronic restriction increases cardiovascular mortality . Physicians and shift-working healthcare professionals are particularly vulnerable; long hours and disrupted circadian rhythms significantly elevate the risk of sudden cardiac death , highlighting an urgent need to safeguard our own health.
Sleep loss triggers sympathetic overactivity, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation , accelerating atherogenesis and cardiac risk. Implementing strategies such as sleep hygiene, scheduled rest periods, strategic napping, and careful shift management can mitigate these risks and improve both…
