Health experts have time and again stressed the importance of a good night’s sleep for your overall well-being.
Now, a research team has discovered that people who get six to seven hours of sleep a night had the lowest chance of dying from a heart attack or stroke in comparison to those who got less or more sleep.
Presented at the American College of Cardiology's 70th Annual Scientific Session, the study claims to be the first to explore a link between baseline cardiovascular risk and sleep duration.
The study’s lead author said that sleep ‘may be among the most cost-effective ways to lower cardiovascular risk.’ His research adds to a growing body of evidence affirming that just like diet, smoking and exercise, sleep may also play a defining role in someone's cardiovascular risk.
According to the researchers, unlike some risk factors for heart disease that can't be changed, such as age or genetics, sleep habits can be adjusted and should be routinely asked about during medical visits.