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London, U.K. — Getting extra sleep on weekends may offer a crucial benefit for heart health, according to a new study presented at the European Society of Cardiology conference in London. The research suggests that compensatory sleep over the weekend could play a significant role in reducing the risk of heart disease, particularly for those who suffer from sleep deprivation during the week.
The study, which analyzed health outcomes of over 91,000 participants from the U.K. Biobank over a 14-year period, found that individuals who regularly got less than the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night—classified as sleep-deprived—experienced significant heart health benefits when they caught up on sleep over the weekend.
People who achieved the most additional sleep on weekends were 19% less likely to develop heart disease than those who got the least amount of extra sleep. In the sleep-deprived subgroup, this protective effect was even more pronounced, with those getting the most compensatory weekend sleep showing a 20% lower risk of heart disease compared to those with minimal weekend catch-up sleep.
The findings, led by Zechen Liu from the National Centre for Cardiovascular Disease in Beijing, underscore the importance of prioritizing sleep, especially for the approximately one-third of adults who report not getting enough rest on a daily basis. Previous research has already established a link between sleep problems and a range of cardiovascular issues, including heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
“Our results show that for the significant proportion of the population in modern society that suffers from sleep deprivation, those who have the most ‘catch-up’ sleep at weekends have significantly lower rates of heart disease than those with the least,” Liu stated in a news release.
The study highlights a simple yet potentially impactful strategy for mitigating the health risks associated with chronic sleep deprivation. While adults typically need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night, many fall short of this target due to the demands of modern life. This new research suggests that allowing oneself to sleep in on weekends could be a key factor in maintaining a healthy heart.
As the findings gain attention, they may prompt further research into the broader implications of weekend sleep patterns on overall health. For now, catching up on sleep over the weekend appears to be more than just a luxury—it may be a necessity for long-term cardiovascular well-being.
