Is Preventive Cardiology Right For You?
Heart-Sleep Connection: How Better Sleep Supports Heart Health
When it comes to heart health, most people focus on diet, exercise, and managing conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol. But one critical factor often gets overlooked—sleep.
The quality and quantity of your sleep play a major role in cardiovascular health, influencing everything from blood pressure regulation to inflammation and even weight management. Knowing the sleep-heart health connection and improving your sleep should be a top priority if you’re serious about protecting your heart.
The Science Behind Sleep and Heart Health. Your body goes through important physiological processes while you sleep, many of which directly impact heart function. During deep sleep, blood pressure naturally lowers, giving your heart a much-needed break. Sleep also helps regulate stress hormones and reduces inflammation, a key driver of heart disease.
On the flip side, poor sleep—whether due to insomnia, sleep apnea, or other disturbances—can increase the risk of high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in your arteries). Studies have shown that people who consistently get less than six hours of sleep per night are at higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
- People with a strong family history of heart disease
- People with uncontrolled cardiac risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, or obesity
- People who have had a previous heart attack or stroke
- People who have been diagnosed with a heart condition and need help understanding their illness and want to avoid further problems
- People who are at risk for heart disease due to age, ethnicity, or other factors
- People with abnormal advanced lipid panels
- People with abnormal cardiac imaging results
- People interested in taking a proactive approach to their health
Sleep Deprivation and Cardiovascular Risk: The Sleep Heart Connection
Lack of sleep triggers a cascade of harmful effects in the body, many of which contribute to heart disease.
Sleep Apnea: A Silent Threat to Heart Health.
One of the most serious sleep-related heart risks is sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is particularly dangerous because it reduces oxygen levels, leading to higher blood pressure, arrhythmias, and increased strain on the heart. Warning signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Waking up with a dry mouth or headache
If you suspect sleep apnea, a sleep study can provide a diagnosis, and treatments like CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and lifestyle changes can significantly improve both sleep and heart health.
How to Improve Sleep for a Healthier Heart
The good news is that improving your sleep can have immediate and long-term benefits for your heart. Here are some evidence-based tips:
✅ Stick to a Sleep Schedule – Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and go to bed/wake up at the same time every day. Even on weekends.
✅ Optimize Your Sleep Environment – Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Avoid screens (phones, tablets, TVs) at least an hour before bed.
✅ Limit Stimulants – Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals close to bedtime.
✅ Manage Stress – Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to lower cortisol levels.
✅ Exercise Regularly – Physical activity promotes better sleep and overall cardiovascular health, but try to finish workouts at least a few hours before bedtime.
The Sleep Heart Connection: Important For Heart Health
If you want to take care of your heart, don’t underestimate the power of quality sleep. Addressing sleep problems, whether it’s insomnia, sleep apnea, or simply poor sleep habits, can significantly lower your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Prioritize rest, and your heart will thank you. Do you struggle with sleep? Schedule your free health consultation to see how I can help you.
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Reach out to us with your questions via our contact form. We do our best to reply within 3 business days.
Dr Paeschke is wonderful! Having had a heart attack two years ago, it’s an amazing relief to have an ongoing relationship with a cardiologist who is responsive, patient and super knowledgeable.My prior cardiologist was the one who happened to be attending at the hospital. Perfectly competent but impossible to get any meaningful attention.It’s the opposite with Dr Paeschke and the way she’s set-up her practice. I feel very fortunate!
David, Nevada
I highly recommend Dr Tracy for all your cardiac issues. I found it very easy to get an appointment, no months long wait, both initially and for important follow up visits -which are enhanced through calls or on-line chats with her. It’s important to me that I communicate directly with my doctor, especially given the breadth and complexity of the issues that we discuss and this is always the case. While Dr Tracy’s focus is on prevention using the latest technology/devices/testing, my needs are immediate and I feel very confident they are met and we have the best plan going forward to address them.
Mark, Colorado
Dr. Paeschke is an excellent cardiologist. She is thorough and takes time with me as a patient. The appointment is not rushed and I feel very valued and cared for. I really like that she is close to me in Monument as well. I highly recommend Dr. Paeschke to anyone looking for a preventative cardiologist.
Sharon, Colorado
I have always appreciated Dr. Paeschke’s wisdom, care, and knowledge, ever since being referred to her in 2007. Since, I have found that her Heart Health Prevention and Wellness has helped me become my own advocate in all areas of health in my life provide for a defined lifestyle change. Thank you! Dr. Tracy
Abe, Colorado