Health

Sleep Habits May Influence Cholesterol Levels, Experts Warn in New Findings

Published on May 22, 2025

High cholesterol, a condition marked by an excess of fatty substances in the bloodstream, is a major contributor to heart disease and stroke. While often linked to diet and lifestyle, experts now say that how well—and how long—you sleep each night could also play a significant role in managing your cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol can build up in blood vessels over time, narrowing them and increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems. While some people inherit high cholesterol, it is more commonly associated with poor diet, lack of physical activity, and being overweight.

However, cardiologists are increasingly drawing attention to sleep as a key factor. “Our bodies metabolize cholesterol at night,” explained Dr. Nivee Amin, a cardiologist, in an interview with Prevention. “That’s why a lot of times the medications we take for cholesterol are prescribed to be taken at bedtime.”

A consistent lack of sleep, Dr. Amin noted, can interfere with the body’s ability to process fats and sugars. Moreover, inadequate rest affects daytime behaviour, reducing energy levels and making it harder to choose nutritious foods or maintain an exercise routine—both crucial for heart health, reports Surrey Live.

But oversleeping isn’t the solution either. A Japanese study found that both sleeping fewer than five hours and more than eight hours per night were linked to higher levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol.

Similarly, research cited by WebMD reported that people who don’t get enough sleep often have high triglycerides and lower levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. Those clocking a steady eight hours per night showed the best cholesterol profiles.

So, what’s the ideal amount of sleep? Experts at the Cleveland Clinic recommend that adults aim for seven to nine hours per night. Teenagers need between eight and ten hours, while children aged six to 12 should get nine to 12 hours.

Stress is another hidden culprit. According to Dr. Leslie Cho, a preventative cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, stress can raise blood pressure and heart rate, and increase the likelihood of heart attack and stroke. “It can also drive us to eat badly, sleep less, and drink more,” Dr. Cho warned.

The British Heart Foundation echoes these concerns, advising people to maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking, and manage stress. Notably, smoking doubles the risk of complications for those already living with high cholesterol.

Additional tips include reducing fatty food intake, increasing physical activity, and limiting alcohol consumption.

In short, balancing your sleep, managing stress, and embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle could be your best defence against high cholesterol.

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