Can a Regular Sleep Schedule Save Heart Failure Patients?

A regular sleep schedule could play an important role in helping people recover after heart failure, according to a new study led by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). The research, published in JACC Advances, suggests that people with irregular sleep patterns may face a significantly higher risk of returning to the hospital or worse within just six months of discharge.

Why Sleep Regularity Matters for Heart Failure

Heart failure is a serious condition that weakens the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. While doctors often focus on medications, diet, and exercise, this new research points to sleep habits as another key factor.
The study showed that patients who went to bed and woke up at inconsistent times were more than twice as likely to experience another clinical event, such as an emergency room visit, hospitalisation, or even death, compared with those who kept a regular sleep schedule.
“Consistency in sleep timing may be especially important for adults with heart failure,” said lead author Brooke Shafer, Ph.D., from OHSU’s Sleep, Chronobiology and Health Laboratory.

How the Study Was Conducted

Researchers followed 32 patients who were hospitalised for heart failure at OHSU Hospital and Hillsboro Medical Centre between September 2022 and October 2023. After leaving the hospital, participants kept sleep diaries for one week, tracking when they fell asleep, woke up, and took naps.
Based on these records, patients were grouped as either having a regular sleep schedule or a moderately irregular one.

Key Findings:

Within six months, 21 participants experienced another heart-related event.
Of those, 13 had irregular sleep patterns, compared to only eight who maintained regular sleep habits.
The increased risk remained even after adjusting for other health issues like sleep disorders and chronic conditions.

Why Irregular Sleep Raises Risks

When the body rests, blood pressure and heart rate naturally decrease, giving the heart time to recover. However, inconsistent sleep disrupts these normal cycles. According to Shafer, this disturbance may interfere with the body’s cardiovascular regulation, making recovery more difficult for heart failure patients.
“Irregular sleep may contribute to worse outcomes, especially in people already living with heart failure,” she explained.

What This Means for Patients

The study highlights sleep as a low-cost but potentially powerful tool in heart failure management. Establishing a consistent bedtime and wake-up routine may reduce the risk of rehospitalisation and improve long-term recovery.
The researchers emphasise that larger studies are needed to confirm whether improving sleep habits can directly lower risks. Still, the evidence strongly supports encouraging patients to focus on regularity in sleep alongside their prescribed treatment plans.

Conclusion

For those recovering from heart failure, adopting a regular sleep schedule may be just as important as taking medications or following dietary guidelines. This simple lifestyle change could help patients stay healthier, avoid future hospital visits, and improve overall heart health.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

Priya Bairagi

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I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.