[Hinews] A study presented at the European Society of Cardiology conference suggests that weekend catch-up sleep may help reduce the risk of heart disease in individuals who experience chronic sleep deprivation during the workweek. The research team from China analyzed data from the UK Biobank, a large-scale health database, and found a significant correlation between increased weekend sleep and improved cardiovascular health.

The research team examined sleep records from 90,903 participants who self-reported their sleep duration. Of these, 19,816 individuals averaging less than seven hours of sleep per night were classified as sleep-deprived. These participants were then divided into four groups based on the amount of sleep they got on weekends and tracked over an average of 14 years.

The results showed that participants who got the most weekend sleep had a 19% lower incidence of heart disease compared to those with the least weekend recovery sleep. However, experts caution that the study establishes a correlation, not causation, and other unaccounted factors may have influenced the results.

A recent study using UK Biobank data suggests that additional weekend sleep may reduce heart disease risk by 19% in sleep-deprived individuals. However, experts stress that this is a correlation—not causation—and that weekend rest may not fully offset the long-term effects of chronic sleep deprivation. (Image Design: GDH AI Design Team)
A recent study using UK Biobank data suggests that additional weekend sleep may reduce heart disease risk by 19% in sleep-deprived individuals. However, experts stress that this is a correlation—not causation—and that weekend rest may not fully offset the long-term effects of chronic sleep deprivation. (Image Design: GDH AI Design Team)
Dr. Muhammad Adil Rishi, an associate professor of sleep medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, noted, “There could be other unidentified variables contributing to these findings.” He emphasized that while weekend sleep may alleviate fatigue and sleepiness, it does not fully counteract the negative health effects of chronic sleep deprivation.
Experts also warn that weekend sleep cannot fully compensate for the health risks linked to chronic sleep debt, including an elevated risk of obesity. “Extra weekend sleep may reduce tiredness but is unlikely to address risks like obesity caused by chronic sleep deprivation,” Dr. Rishi explained.

The study reinforces the importance of maintaining regular sleep schedules, though it also suggests that compensatory weekend sleep may provide modest cardiovascular benefits for those who lack sufficient weekday rest.

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