Growing evidence suggests that insomnia—difficulty falling or staying asleep—contributes to many chronic health problems, including heart disease. Now, A study Published on May 5, 2026. Journal of the American Heart Association documents a link between insomnia and atrial fibrillation (afib), probably the most common heart rhythm disorder.
Researchers checked out health data collected from about 1.8 million Japanese people aged 49 to 68. None had prior evidence of heart problems, including Afib. About 12 percent had experienced insomnia, in regards to the same rate as within the United States.
Over a mean of about 4 years, 1.4% of individuals had insomnia and just over 2% of insomniacs developed afib. After adjusting for common cardiovascular risk aspects (including hypertension, diabetes, and sleep deprivation), the researchers found that individuals with insomnia were 14 percent more prone to develop AFib. This association was strongest amongst women and people under 65 years of age.
These observational findings don’t necessarily mean that insomnia causes afib. However, failing to get enough sleep regularly (getting lower than seven hours an evening) can push the nervous system into “fight or flight” mode, which might increase heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of stress hormones like cortisol. This could make people more vulnerable to aspects that may result in dehydration, equivalent to dehydration, drinking alcohol, or overeating. Cortisol may directly contribute to physiological changes within the atria that disrupt electrical signal transmission in the center.
According to the study authors, the findings reinforce the importance of recognizing insomnia as a risk factor for afib, especially since afib can have a significant impact on quality of life. Afib affects about 5% of adults within the United States and increases the danger of each stroke and heart failure.
Photo: © Filmstax/Getty Images