Alex Iranzo, neurologist: "Sleeping too little and poorly predisposes you to cardiovascular problems, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and hypertension in the long run."

Poor sleep and poor sleep can have serious long-term health consequences. This is the warning from neurologist Alex Iranzo , a sleep disorder specialist at the Hospital Clínic in Barcelona , ​​who emphasizes that a lack of adequate rest increases the risk of cardiovascular problems , heart attacks, strokes , diabetes, and hypertension.

In an interview with the Clínic website, the doctor explained that " the most important thing for living well is to have healthy sleep, a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and good mental health ." According to Iranzo, sleep is one of the basic pillars of health, along with diet, physical activity, and emotional well-being.

The specialist explains that quality rest follows a biological pattern divided into several phases: light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep, which occur in cycles throughout the night. Disrupting this balance, whether by sleeping fewer hours or having fragmented sleep, impacts both daily performance and the development of chronic diseases.

Consequences of poor sleep

Among the most notable repercussions, Iranzo warns that " sleeping little and poorly predisposes in the long run to cardiovascular problems, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, hypertension , and also psychiatric problems such as increased irritability , anxiety , depression , and decreased desire for sexual activity." Some cancers and a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's have even been linked, since brain toxins such as beta-amyloid are eliminated during sleep.

To prevent these effects, the neurologist recommends maintaining regular sleep schedules, avoiding alcohol and screens before bed, and not associating bed with activities other than rest. He also reminds us that sleep deprivation cannot be recovered on weekends and that restorative naps should last between 20 and 30 minutes at most.