#BetterSleepBetterHeart

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Sleep Your Way to a Healthier Heart: Preventing Cardiovascular Disease

One of the often-overlooked factors in preventing heart disease is adequate sleep. But the impact that quality sleep has on cardiovascular health is profound. Here's how quality sleep can help protect your heart: Blood Pressure Regulation. A good night's sleep enables the body to reset, hence regulating blood pressure. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to elevated blood pressure, resulting in heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. Reduced Inflammation: Inflammation plays a critical role in the modulation of sleep; chronic inflammation contributes to a large percentage of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Healing and reducing systemic inflammation is one aspect of sleep in the body. Balanced Hormones: Sleep helps regulate hormones that control stress and hunger. Poor sleep disrupts the balance of cortisol (stress hormone) and insulin, both of which can negatively impact heart health by increasing blood sugar levels and promoting fat accumulation. Heart Rate Variability: Quality sleep improves HRV which is the variation in time between heartbeats. High HRV means a healthy heart and autonomic nervous system, whereas Low HRV signifies increased risk of heart disease. Managing Risk Factors: Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol—three major risk factors for heart disease. Sleep helps maintain a healthy weight, regulates blood sugar, and keeps cholesterol levels in check. This includes sleep apnea, a disorder in which people stop and start breathing during their sleep. It's associated with high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke, with treatment of the condition significantly reducing these risks.

It’s a cycle that can have serious repercussions for both our physical and mental well-being. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the hidden connection between sleep and heart health. Mood and Stress Management: Poor sleep can result in higher levels of stress and emotional distress, which are linked with an increased risk of heart disease. A well-rested mind is better positioned to handle stress. Sleep Time: It can also affect the heart adversely when either sleeping time is less than normal or excessive. Sleeping within 7 to 8 hours is best to keep heart diseases away and promote excellent cardiovascular health. Incorporating healthy sleep habits, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, reducing screen time before bed, and creating a calming environment, can significantly improve heart health and prevent cardiovascular disease. Prioritize sleep to protect your heart for years to come.