NEW YORK, Sept 2: A new study suggests that individuals who make up for lost sleep by sleeping in on weekends may reduce their risk of heart disease by 20%. This finding challenges the traditional belief that consistent wake times are the best for health.

The research, presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2024, highlights the benefits of compensatory sleep for those who regularly face insufficient rest due to work or school demands. "Sufficient compensatory sleep is linked to a lower risk of heart disease," explained Yanjun Song, co-author of the study from the State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Disease in Beijing. "This association is particularly strong among those who experience inadequate sleep on weekdays."

Although many people catch up on sleep during weekends, there has been limited research on its impact on heart health. This study suggests that it can be beneficial. James Leiper, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, noted, "While a weekend lie-in is not a substitute for a consistent good night's sleep, this large study indicates it might help reduce heart disease risk."

Christopher Depner, a professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at the University of Utah, expressed caution, pointing out that the study has not undergone peer review. Melanie Murphy Richter, a registered dietitian nutritionist and spokeswoman for Prolon, emphasized that while catching up on sleep may provide short-term relief, it is not a long-term solution. She advises maintaining a regular sleep schedule and prioritizing sleep quality as part of overall health.

The study analyzed data from 90,903 participants in the UK Biobank project, using accelerometers to track sleep patterns. It categorized participants based on the amount of compensatory sleep taken on weekends and evaluated heart disease incidence using hospital records and cause-of-death registries. Results indicated that those who caught up on sleep the most

on weekends had a 19% lower risk of developing heart disease compared to those who did so the least. The study found no significant difference in results between men and women.

"Our results demonstrate that for those who suffer from sleep deprivation, catching up on sleep during weekends is associated with significantly lower rates of heart disease," said Zechen Liu, a co-author of the study.