The American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of consistent, quality sleep, regardless of whether you’re a night owl or an early riser. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep is crucial for heart health, as research shows that sleep deprivation can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Sleep quality can improve cardiovascular health
The duration of sleep is not the sole determinant but quality of sleep also holds substantial importance, exerting a pivotal impact on not only one’s cardiovascular health but also overall well-being. In addition to elevating the susceptibility to heart attacks and strokes, insufficient sleep can also elevate the likelihood of experiencing depression, cognitive deterioration, and obesity.
Ensuring regular, sufficient sleep is crucial for heart health, according to Dr. Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, a professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep, while children and babies require more based on their age. Dr. Lloyd-Jones is a former president of the American Heart Association. He adds that around 30% of people don’t get the recommended amount of sleep.
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule may help prevent cardiovascular disease, according to a recent study in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Variations in sleep timing and duration, even as little as two hours per night within the same week, were found to be associated with the development of atherosclerosis (hardened arteries).
Adequate sleep important for overall health
Adequate sleep plays a crucial role in managing overall health, including factors like weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure, according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones. The American Heart Association has included sleep as one of the essential factors of improving cardiovascular health, along with a healthy diet, not smoking, staying physically active, controlling blood pressure, maintaining healthy cholesterol and lipids, keeping blood sugar in check, and maintaining a healthy weight. These are collectively known as Life’s Essential 8 for optimal cardiovascular health.
Falling asleep can be challenging for many, but experts caution against frequent use of sleep supplements, advising limited usage with medical guidance. If persistent sleep difficulties occur, it’s important to explore potential sleep disorders like sleep apnea or insomnia.
