Being healthy and physically fit requires more than just a nutritious diet and frequent exercise. Lack of sleep can impair all other attempts and result in major health issues. Sleep must be prioritized along with physical activity and a healthy diet, according to sleep specialist Michelle Drerup, PsyD, DBSM.
Sleeping 7-9 hours a day can minimize the risk of heart disease
The American Heart Association’s (AHA) cardiologists have formally included the amount of sleep each night on the roster of “important” actions to lower obesity and blood pressure and keep a heart. Additionally, wearable technology tracks sleep to improve health.
The American Heart Association originally issued its “Life’s Simple 7” guidelines for a healthy heart in 2010. These recommendations included eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, stopping smoking, and keeping cholesterol, blood sugar, hypertension, and body mass index (BMI) at normal ranges.
The “Life’s Essential 8,” according to AHA President Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, was chosen after recent research on the risk factors for heart disease revealed the importance of sleep for general health. According to studies, people who slept more soundly were better at controlling their weight, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes risk.
People may track their sleeping habits and enhance their cardiovascular health thanks to the development of technology, according to MailOnline.
The American Heart Association’s cardiologists suggest adults to obtain seven to nine hours of sleep each night, while children—especially those under five—should get ten to sixteen hours. It’s also a good idea to put cell phones in dark mode to avoid messing with the body clock.
Tips for Better Sleep
- Give sleep a high priority and treat it just as seriously as taking medication.
- Even on holidays or days off, get up at the exact same time daily in order to create a strong urge to sleep during the entire awake period.
- Set aside electronic gadgets like cell phones and tablets to encourage relaxation before bed.
- If you wake up in the middle of the night, resist the urge to check the time, so you don’t have to calculate how many hours you slept.
