This Simple Habit Change Could Decrease Heart Disease Risk by 50%, Scientists Say
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- A study published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders found that irregular bedtimes, especially varying by nearly two hours nightly, doubled the risk of heart disease in middle-aged adults over a 10-year period, independent of wake-up times.
- The research involved 3,231 Finnish adults monitored for sleep patterns and linked their data to national health records, highlighting that inconsistent bedtimes combined with less than eight hours of sleep significantly increased cardiovascular risks.
- Experts explain that irregular bedtimes disrupt the body's master clock in the brain, leading to impaired cardiovascular repair processes and increased inflammation, which contribute to heart disease.
- The American Heart Association now includes sleep regularity as a key factor for heart health alongside diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking.
- Physicians recommend maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, aiming for 7-8 hours of sleep between 10 p.m. and midnight, and consulting a doctor for sleep disorders to reduce heart disease risk.
