Short sleep has been associated with cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of short-term sleep restriction on lipid profiles and resting blood pressure factors in young, normal-weight individuals (14 men, 13 women). Participants were randomized to five nights of either habitual (9 h) or short (4 h) sleep in a cross-over design separated by a 3-week washout period. There was no sleep × day interaction on lipid profile and blood pressure. Short-term sleep restriction does not alter lipid profiles and resting blood pressure in healthy, normal-weight individuals. The association between short sleep and increased cardiovascular risk reported in the epidemiological literature may be the result of long-term sleep restriction and poor lifestyle choices.
Keywords: blood pressure; short sleep; total cholesterol; triglycerides.
© 2013 European Sleep Research Society.