We always hear about how we need to get quality sleep, but can your bedtime reduce your risk of heart disease? Find out how your sleep affects your heart health.
According to a new study in the European Heart Journal – Digital Health, the ideal time to go to sleep is between 10 PM and 11 PM. Their research shows that those who fall asleep after midnight increase their risk of cardiovascular disease by 25%.
Similarly, those who fall asleep before 10 PM increase their risk by 24%. In contrast, people who fall asleep between 11 PM and 12 AM increase their heart disease risk by 12%. The study observed over 88,000 people from 2006 to 2010 and followed up with them about five years later.
However, according to Dr. Stanley Wang, medical director at the sleep disorder center at the Heart Hospital of Austin, the study can be misinterpreted. “There’s a lot of temptations to spin it the wrong way,” says Wang. “It’s not that by going to sleep between 10 and 11, you will automatically have a lower risk of heart disease.”
Healthy Sleep Patterns
Wang explains that going to sleep between 10 PM and 11 PM won’t automatically improve your heart health. Just like sleeping at the same time as wealthy people won’t make you wealthy, this won’t necessarily make you healthier. Instead, it’s about looking at the overall picture and the healthful patterns that these people exhibit.
For example, falling asleep later in the night may indicate that you have trouble falling asleep. Likewise, falling asleep earlier may suggest you didn’t have a good quality sleep the night before. Various studies show a link between sleep quality and heart disease, with sleep apnea doubling the risk of heart failure.
Having a consistent sleep schedule is what’s important, as this sets your internal circadian rhythm (your natural body clock). When you get out of that rhythm, it stresses your body, which can ultimately affect your heart health.
In addition, Wang says that not getting enough consistent sleep can lead to behaviors that negatively impact your health. For instance, some people may use alcohol to fall asleep while others use caffeine and sugar to remain awake.
The Outlook
More important than falling asleep at a certain time is to follow a consistent sleep schedule. Also, ensure that your body wakes up with light in the morning and that you darken your room at night.
You should also prep for bedtime about three hours beforehand and avoid using your bedroom for other purposes. By using your room as an office or entertainment center, you’ll make it harder to wind down at bedtime.
In addition to getting some quality rest, you can give your heart health an extra boost by taking L-arginine Plus. Through its ingredients, it can effectively promote your circulation, blood pressure, cholesterol, and more.
Give your health the support it deserves by having a consistent sleep schedule and taking L-arginine Plus.