Sleep well for the sake of your heart

When it comes to sleep, quantity is just as important as quality. — TNS

Getting a good night’s sleep is important.

But exactly how much sleep do you need?

Recently, the American Heart Association (AHA) added sleep to its checklist for improving and maintaining your heart health.

Mayo Clinic cardiologist Dr Regis Fernandes explains how many hours of sleep people need for optimal heart health.

When it comes to sleep, it turns out quantity is just as important as quality.

“The reason why is, studies have shown if you sleep less than seven hours a day, you have a higher cardiovascular risk, or a risk for heart disease or stroke,” he says.

Sleep was recently added to the AHA’s Life’s Essential 8 list, along with maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, staying physically active, eating a healthy diet, and controlling your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.

Dr Fernandes says there is an ideal number of hours your heart needs.

“The sweet spot is eight hours – minimum seven, maximum nine – but the sweet spot is right at eight,” he says.

That means eight hours of quality sleep.

“You have to turn off the TV and cellphones, make the room cool and dark, and avoid alcohol,” he advises.

Many people have trouble sleeping on occasion.

However, if you experience ongoing sleep issues, it may be related to a treatable sleep disorder such as insomnia or sleep apnoea.

Be sure to work with your healthcare team.

Treatment can ease your symptoms and might help prevent heart problems and other complications. – By Marty Velasco Hames/Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service