Studies reveal that lack of sleep may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and may have a negative impact on cholesterol levels.Sleep loss leads to changes in genes that are responsible for regulating cholesterol levels.
People who experience sleep deprivation may have fewer high-density lipoproteins (HDL) – known as the “good” cholesterol – than those who have sufficient sleep.
HDL cholesterol is responsible for removing low-density lipoproteins (LDL) – the “bad” cholesterol – from the arteries.
LDL cholesterol contributes to atherosclerosis – a build-up of plaque in the arteries that can increase the risk for heart attack and stroke – so a robust HDL cholesterol level is important for protecting heart health.