We all know we function better on enough sleep – better attitude, stress levels, and overall general health. Last week we learned what happens in your body when you sleep and some main ways to keep yourself on track.
Recently, a UC San Francisco study linked poor sleep habits to women with coronary heart disease. Since one in three women die from heart disease, many of us are focusing on making improvements to our lifestyles to keep our hearts healthy for longer. Steps such as improving cholesterol levels, staying active every day, and watching your weight and your diet will help keep your heart healthy. Now we know that getting enough sleep will keep your heart healthy as well.
Sleep and Your Heart
The study found that waking too early, in particular, results in raising inflammation among women with coronary artery disease. Getting fewer than six hours each night is, also, a risk factor. This result affected only women, not men, even when other factors were considered.
This means that our poor sleep habits can significantly increase inflammation around our hearts, progressing heart disease in women. Previously, this connection hadn’t been thought to have such an impact.
If you have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, cholesterol, or smoke, take some time to examine your sleep habits today. Consider putting together a strategy to wind down and get ready for bed earlier, fall asleep earlier, and sleep at a consistent time. We’ll be doing the same.
For other facts about how to keep your heart healthy, or ideas on how to get a better night’s sleep, click on the button below to make an appointment.
Dr. Julie Drolet
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