How much sleep is too little — or too much? According to scientists, both extremes can silently harm your heart. Recent studies now reveal the exact number of hours you should be sleeping to protect your heart health.
People who sleep less than 6 hours a night are at higher risk of heart problems. A major study published by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that sleeping less than six hours increases the risk of atherosclerosis — the hardening of arteries — by 27%…….CONTINUE READING
But sleeping too much is not safe either.
People who sleep more than 9 hours a night may also face a higher chance of heart-related issues. The study found that both short and long sleep durations are linked to poor heart health, especially among women.
Why does this happen?
Not getting enough sleep causes inflammation in the body and raises blood pressure, which stresses the heart. On the other hand, sleeping too much may be a sign of other underlying health problems and poor sleep quality, which can also harm the heart.
In another study published in 2023, researchers noted that poor sleep can even cancel out the benefits of regular exercise. People who slept too little or had poor sleep patterns did not get the full heart benefits of physical activity.
So, what’s the safe zone?
Doctors recommend that adults sleep for 7 to 9 hours each night. This range gives your body time to rest, repair, and maintain healthy heart function.
To protect your heart:
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Stick to a regular sleep schedule
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Avoid screens and heavy meals before bed
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Get checked if you snore or wake up tired
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Don’t ignore poor sleep — it’s not harmless
Your heart needs proper sleep to function well — just like it needs exercise and a healthy diet. So if you’re sleeping too little or too much, it might be time to make a change.