Sleep Loss Increases C-Reactive Protein: Inflammation and Heart Disease Risk
How Does Sleep Loss Affect Inflammation and Heart Disease Risk?
Sleep loss significantly increases C-reactive protein (CRP), a key inflammatory marker strongly linked to cardiovascular disease risk. Research shows that even short-term sleep deprivation can elevate CRP levels by 25-50%, indicating increased systemic inflammation that may contribute to atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. This inflammatory response helps explain why chronic sleep restriction is associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease, as elevated CRP levels are an independent risk factor for heart disease that rivals traditional risk factors like high cholesterol.