The article from Lrytas, a Lithuanian news outlet, highlights the critical role of sleep in maintaining cardiovascular health, explaining that sleep is not merely a passive state but an active recovery process that regulates blood pressure, inflammatory processes, blood sugar levels, and heart rhythms. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to significant changes that put excessive strain on the heart and cardiovascular system, culminating in serious health risks.

One of the key points made is that lack of sleep can lead to increased blood pressure. When the body is deprived of rest, it remains in a 'fight or flight' state, leading to spikes in arterial blood pressure and arrhythmias. Over time, this heightened blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, resulting in thickening of the heart muscle and damage to arteries, which could have long-term implications for cardiovascular health.

Moreover, the article addresses how sleep deprivation can stimulate inflammation and promote plaque formation in blood vessels. The increase in inflammatory markers within the body due to inadequate sleep compromises the integrity of blood vessel walls, accelerating the development of atherosclerotic plaques. This progression consequently elevates the risks of heart attacks and strokes, thereby underlining the importance of ensuring sufficient sleep as a preventative measure for cardiovascular diseases.