Impact of Sleep on Heart Health in Women Over 45: Key Study Findings

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Baylor University has revealed significant insights into the relationship between sleep and heart health in menopausal women. Published in the journal *Menopause* on July 8, 2025, the study indicates that midlife sleep habits are critical for cardiovascular health, particularly for women aged 45 and older.

The research analyzed health data collected from approximately 3,000 women participating in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a longitudinal investigation that began in 1996. The findings underscore a troubling statistic: only 21% of the women in this demographic achieved optimal scores on the American Heart Association's health assessment tool, Life's Essential 8 (LE8), which considers factors such as blood glucose, blood pressure, sleep quality, and nicotine use.

Dr. Samar R. El Khoudary, Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Public Health and senior author of the study, emphasized that the menopause transition is not only a period marked by increasing cardiovascular risk but also an opportunity for women to proactively manage their heart health. "This study underscores that it's also an opportunity for women to take the reins on their heart health," stated Dr. El Khoudary in a press release.

The analysis revealed that sleep quality was a significant predictor of long-term cardiovascular outcomes, alongside other factors such as blood pressure and nicotine use. According to Ziyuan Wang, a Ph.D. candidate at Pitt Public Health and the lead author, optimal sleep, defined as seven to nine hours on average, is crucial for enhancing heart health and longevity among women transitioning through menopause. "Low total LE8 scores correlated with increased cardiovascular risk, as expected," Wang noted.

Moreover, the study highlights the alarming reality that many midlife women do not meet the recommended sleep guidelines, which may have dire implications given that heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women in the United States. This correlation between sleep and heart health brings to light the need for lifestyle and medical interventions tailored specifically for this demographic.

Experts suggest that improving sleep hygiene could significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in menopausal women. Dr. Emma Barinas-Mitchell, a co-author of the study, states, "The results of our study indicate that addressing sleep issues could be a vital strategy in mitigating heart health risks during and after menopause."

The findings contribute to a growing body of literature that emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors in heart health. Previous studies have indicated that sleep disturbances can exacerbate existing health issues, thereby compounding the risk of cardiovascular problems. For instance, a 2022 study published in the *Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine* found that women experiencing sleep apnea were at a significantly higher risk for developing heart disease compared to their peers without sleep disorders (Smith et al., 2022).

In light of these findings, health professionals are urged to implement comprehensive screening and intervention strategies for midlife women. This includes promoting awareness about the importance of sleep in cardiovascular health and encouraging regular health check-ups focusing on LE8 components.

Looking forward, further research is warranted to explore the potential causal relationships between sleep and heart health and to develop targeted interventions. Dr. El Khoudary and her team highlight the necessity of conducting clinical trials to test the efficacy of sleep interventions on cardiovascular outcomes in this population.

In summary, the study underscores the critical intersection of sleep, lifestyle choices, and heart health for women over 45, advocating for an integrative approach to healthcare that prioritizes these factors to enhance women's health outcomes during menopause and beyond.