Question

Can sleep deficiency cause cardiovascular disease?

Answer 1

Lack of sleep can increase insulin resistance, a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Shortened sleep can increase CRP, or C-reactive protein, which is released with stress and inflammation. If your CRP is high, it's a risk factor for cardiovascular and heart disease.

Answer 2

Studies have found that a single night of inadequate sleep in people who have existing hypertension can cause elevated blood pressure throughout the following day. But this is not the cause of cardiovascular disease.