Is there a connection between sleep and heart disease?

Did you know that there is a close connection between your sleeping habits and your heart health?

Getting adequate sleep can help support your cardiovascular health, meaning a good night’s rest is something we should prioritize. Ideally, adults should get 7-9 hours of undisturbed sleep each night. For many adults, this is the target amount of sleep for your body to continue functioning optimally.

The effects of poor S\sleep on your heart

Despite this recommendation set by the American Heart Association and British Sleep Foundation, around a third of American adults don’t get the sleep they need each night.

Lack of sufficient sleep can impact every area of your body, including your cardiovascular system. Consistently poor sleep increases your blood pressure, which can eventually lead to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Sleep conditions, such as insomnia or sleep apnea, are also linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Sleep apnea reduces the amount of oxygen that your cells receive, causing your heart to work harder to continue supplying your muscles, organs, and tissues with enough oxygen.

Insomnia can raise your psychological stress, increase your hunger, and increase the risk of weight gain. Obesity is linked to higher blood pressure and a higher risk of heart disease.

How to improve your sleep and heart health

Getting better sleep each night can potentially help to improve your cardiovascular health. Here are some things that you can do to achieve 7-9 hours of high-quality sleep a night.

• Establish a regular nighttime routine
• Avoid caffeine in the evenings if you’re sensitive to it
• Exercise earlier in the day
• Keep your room relatively cool
• Avoid artificial light in the last hour before you go to bed