A new study shows that sleep quality impacts heart health more than regular exercise
A study from Columbia University of Public Health in the United States showed that a good night’s sleep is essential for keeping the heart healthy. The American Heart Association, among other things, has added sleep duration to its cardiovascular health checklist, called “Life’s Essential 8”.
They are: quitting smoking, eating better, staying active, controlling weight, controlling blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, lowering blood sugar, and now sleep well.
I study
The researchers analyzed the sleep of 2,000 adults aged 50 and over. Participants completed a detailed survey and also wore a device for seven days to measure sleep quality.
The results showed that bad nighttime habits are part of every American’s sleep. About 65% of the participants slept less than seven hours a night and 30% slept less than six hours. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the ideal length of sleep for an adult is between seven and nine hours per night.
The research also found that people who slept less than seven hours a night were more likely to have “poor sleep efficiency.” In addition to irregular patterns such as excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep apnea. In fact, nearly 50% of the participants suffered from moderate to severe sleep apnea.
More than a third reported symptoms of insomnia and 14% reported excessive daytime sleepiness. The latter group had a higher prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.
Risks beyond heart health
Nour Makarem, author of the study and a professor at Columbia University, said poor sleep is also linked to other poor health behaviors. Simply put, sleep is related to clinical or psychological risk factors and lifestyle for heart disease. So it’s not surprising that poor sleep increases the risk of future heart disease, the researcher pointed out.
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Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
