Study shows that a weekend sleep-in could save your life by reducing risk of heart attack and stroke

The thought of a lie-in is what gets many of us through the stresses of a working week.

Now people can enjoy the weekend pleasure even more after scientists revealed catching up on shut eye can significantly lower the chances of a potentially fatal heart attack or stroke

People who manage “compensatory” sleep can see their risk of heart disease fall by a fifth, a study shows

It is hoped that it will finally “put to bed” the argument over whether additional sleep is good or bad for you.

It is not clear exactly how sleep benefits the heart but studies suggest disturbed rest is associated with higher levels of CRP protein — a sign of inflammation, the process linked with heart and circulatory disease.

Experts say more sleep can help the heart recover and repair itself and is good for weight management, blood pressure and cholesterol.

Researchers used data involving more than 90,000 Britons to examine the relationship between extra weekend rest and heart disease over 14 years.

Some 19,816 participants, 22 per cent, were defined as sleep deprived, managing less than seven hours per night. While others experienced occasional inadequate sleep, their nightly average of rest was considered adequate.

Medical records were used to diagnose cardiac conditions including ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and stroke.

Those who managed the most compensatory sleep, above 75 minutes, were 19 per cent less likely at risk.

The study, being shown at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in London, did not show any differences between sexes.

Co-author Yanjun Song, of the State Key Laboratory in Beijing, said: “Sufficient compensatory sleep is linked to a lower risk of heart disease.

“It becomes even more pronounced among individuals who regularly experience inadequate sleep on weekdays.”

The British Heart Foundation said: “A weekend lie-in is no replacement for a regular good night’s rest but this large study suggests that it might help reduce risk of heart disease.”