Cardiologist Ekaterina Paukova has warned that maintaining a regular sleep schedule is a vital yet frequently underestimated factor in helping people achieve a longer life.
Speaking to Russian news outlet Lenta.ru, Paukova, a physician with medical company SberZdorovye, stated that an adult requires an average of seven to eight hours of night rest.
The cardiologist explained that a full night of sleep allows the human body to recover after daytime activity and ensures the normal functioning of the hormonal system. She added that sufficient rest at night also plays an essential role in preserving concentration, attention span, and memory.
During deep slumber, the endocrine system regulates vital chemical messengers, including growth hormone for tissue repair and cortisol for stress management. Clinical research confirms that chronic sleep deprivation impairs these metabolic pathways, leaving the body vulnerable to elevated systemic inflammation and cognitive fatigue.
Sleep apnea and heart risks
Paukova also urged individuals who experience snoring during sleep to seek a medical evaluation from a somnologist. She warned that snoring can be a direct symptom of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops during rest.
When breathing ceases during sleep apnea episodes, oxygen levels in the blood drop, leading to an increased heart rate and higher blood pressure. Paukova warned that this pathology places substantial strain on the circulatory system and can subsequently raise the risk of developing arterial hypertension alongside other cardiovascular diseases.
A somnologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders through clinical polysomnography tests. In obstructive sleep apnea, the throat tissues collapse and block airflow, forcing the brain to awaken the sleeper repeatedly. Over time, recurring drops in blood oxygen damage arterial linings and elevate risks of heart failure.
Physical activity and lifespan
The cardiologist's advice follows findings shared by Professor Alexey Moskalev, a doctor of biological sciences and corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, regarding the most critical components of extending human lifespan.
Moskalev stated that among the numerous lifestyle habits capable of supporting health during the aging process, regular physical activity stands out as the single most important factor.
Moskalev is a prominent Russian biogerontologist who has published extensive research on genetics, ecology of aging, and pharmacological life extension. The Russian Academy of Sciences serves as the country's central scientific organization, coordinating fundamental research across biology, medicine, and physical sciences.
SberZdorovye operates as a major digital health and telemedicine platform in Russia that provides remote consultations with specialists, diagnostic bookings, and preventative healthcare monitoring. Both cardiovascular fitness and disciplined sleep schedules remain cornerstone recommendations in preventive medicine to reduce the risk of chronic age-related disease.
