The Links Between Restful Sleep and Heart Health

Sleep is a critical component of health. It influences a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being regardless of age, and that includes children. In fact, sleep quality is closely linked to heart health, and children who get enough quality sleep may be less likely to develop risk factors for heart disease later in life.

Understanding this link can help parents prioritize better sleep habits for their kids, and Devyani Chowdhury, MD, MHA, and the team at Cardiology Care for Children are here to help. Here’s what you should know about the links between sleep and heart health in kids.

Sleep, heart health, and your child’s well-being

Sleep plays an essential role in regulating bodily functions, including blood pressure and metabolic processes. For both adults and children, poor or inadequate sleep is linked to higher levels of stress hormones, increased inflammation, and difficulties maintaining a healthy weight.

These issues are all risk factors for cardiovascular conditions, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure (hypertension). Making sure your child gets the recommended amount of sleep for their age can help prevent these health concerns and set the foundation for a healthy heart in adulthood.

The role of sleep in managing POTS

For teens diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), restful sleep becomes even more important. POTS, a condition affecting blood flow and heart rate, often comes with symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and brain fog.

Sleep disturbances are common among teens with POTS, which can exacerbate their symptoms and make management more challenging. Prioritizing sleep hygiene, like maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a calming bedtime routine, is a vital part of a comprehensive POTS management plan.

The bigger picture: early prevention of heart disease

Making a habit of restful sleep from an early age gives you as a parent the chance to lower your child’s risk of developing heart-related conditions later in life. Healthy sleep habits encourage better physical activity, weight management, and stress reduction, all of which contribute to a strong and healthy heart over the course of your child’s life.

Tips for helping your child get restful sleep

You can’t make your child sleep, but there are several things you can do to encourage healthy sleep habits. Start by establishing a consistent routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate a child’s internal clock, and a consistent bedtime routine helps them know what’s coming next.

Limit screen time before bed. Reduce exposure to screens (and the blue light they emit) at least an hour before bedtime to help improve sleep quality. Along the same lines, create a sleep-friendly environment for your child with a quiet, dark, and comfortable bedroom.

During the day, make sure your child gets regular exercise. Plenty of physical activity can help children fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Keep an eye on their diet, too, and avoid sugary snacks or heavy meals close to bedtime to support better sleep patterns.

If your child struggles with sleep disturbances that impact their daily life or health, don’t wait to seek professional guidance. Sleep studies, behavioral interventions, and medical evaluations may uncover underlying issues affecting your child’s sleep, which then allows you to get started with a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.

Restful sleep is more than just a nighttime issue, it’s a cornerstone of your child’s heart health and overall well-being. Want to learn more ways you can help your child thrive both now and in the future? Schedule a consultation with our team at Cardiology Care for Children in Lancaster, Mifflinburg, and Strasburg, Pennsylvania, and Topeka, Indiana. Call 717-925-8300 today.