“Sleeping well every night is vital for cardiovascular health. “Adults should aim for an average of 7 to 9 hours, while babies and children need more hours of sleep depending on their age,” he explained. Donald M. Lloyd-Jonesformer president of the American Heart Association and professor of preventive medicine, medicine and pediatrics at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine of Chicago and added: “Unfortunately, we know that up to 1 in 3 people do not get the recommended number of hours of sleep each night.”
The American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, said lack of sleep can be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. According to Lloyd-Jones, the quantity and quality of sleep are relevant, and both factors can have a significant impact not only on cardiovascular health, but also overall health.
On the other hand, lack of sleep can also put people at risk for depression, cognitive decline, and obesity. In addition to increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. In the professional magazine Journal From the AHA, it is shown that maintaining a consistent sleep pattern can play a fundamental role in preventing these types of diseases.
According to this research, it was established that falling asleep at different times or sleeping inconsistently each night were related to the development of hardening of the arteries, which is known as arteriosclerosis. “We know that people who get enough sleep also manage other health factors better, such as weight, blood sugar and blood pressure,” Lloyd-Jones said.
The same institution recently added sleep to the list of factors that benefit optimal cardiovascular health. “We called them Life’s Essential 8 (The 8 essentials of life), and include: eating a healthy diet, not smoking or vaping, being physically active and getting enough sleep, as well as controlling blood pressure and maintaining healthy cholesterol and lipid levels, healthy blood sugar levels blood and a healthy weight,” declared the organization.
Lloyd-Jones points out that making even small changes to daily habits can make a big difference in the quality of your sleep. Follow a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and manage stress to achieve a restful night’s sleep. Also set your alarm for day and night, at the same time every day, and commit to following a consistent sleep schedule as much as possible.
Relaxing for a few minutes to de-stress and take a break from technology is essential. For experts, a bedroom without light or technology will provide better sleep; That’s why keep all electronic devices away at least an hour before going to bed. “While it may take a while for falling and staying asleep to become a habit, it’s important to take the time to develop and then follow a good natural bedtime routine,” Lloyd-Jones recommended, concluding: “You’ll soon be able to sleep. deeply all night and wake up refreshed each morning, knowing you are doing what is right for you and your heart.”
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