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Weekend Catch-Up Sleep May Lower Heart Disease Risk, New Study Finds. A study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress suggests that catching up on sleep over the weekend may reduce the risk of heart disease, NBC news reports. Researchers in China found that those who got the most extra sleep on weekends were 19% less likely to develop heart disease compared to those who caught up the least. The study analyzed data from 90,903 participants in the UK Biobank project, focusing on sleep habits and heart disease risk. Sleep debt, or the difference between needed sleep and actual sleep, is a common issue. Compensated sleep refers to catching up on lost sleep during the weekend. Participants who caught up on the most sleep over the weekend had a lower risk of heart disease after an average follow-up period of nearly 14 years. The study shows an association but doesn't prove causation between weekend sleep and heart health. Other factors could be responsible for the results. Dr. Muhammad Adeel Rishi, who wasn't involved in the study, warns that weekend sleep may reduce fatigue but not fully mitigate the risks associated with long-term sleep debt. The study adds to the ongoing research on sleep and health, with previous studies linking poor sleep with increased snacking, weight gain, and other health risks. A recent Gallup Poll found that only 42% of U.S. adults feel they get enough sleep, highlighting the relevance of the study's findings. The findings suggest that while catching up on sleep during the weekend may help, it may not be a complete solution for long-term sleep deprivation and associated health risks.
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