Eating a balanced diet and giving up unhealthy practices are well-known measures to be taken to improve heart health and longevity. However, the significance of having enough sleep to preserve a good heart is not usually talked about.
The Link Between Heart Health and Sleep in Seniors
A new study published in Experimental Physiology demonstrates that al brief length of sleep has a negative effect on heart health.
Less than seven hours of sleep per night was associated with lower levels of inflammation and vascular-related microRNAS, which are small RNA molecules within the human body that play a key role in regulating vascular health. They also indicate how healthy a person’s heart is.
What the Study Found
24 adults were studies, 12 with normal sleep duration and 12 with short sleep duration. The findings showed that circulating concentrations of particular microRNA were considerably smaller in the brief sleep relative to the ordinary sleep group. This is particularly difficult as modifications in microRNA were associated with vascular dysfunction and enhanced risk of cardiovascular disease.
While sufficient sleep has long been claimed as a significant factor in keeping general health, many individuals struggle to fall asleep, stay awake, and meet the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night. One in four Americans develops insomnia every year for a multitude of reasons. While the sleeping habits of most people return to normal within one year, roughly 20 percent of impacted people will continue to face continuing sleep difficulties.
What Actions to Take to Improve Heart Health
Fortunately there are measures you can take to enhance both the health of your heart and sleeping practices. These 4 tips can help you manage your sleep:
- Avoid electronic devices at least two hours before bed
- Get regular exercise – but not within an hour of going to bed.
- Sleep in a cool, dark, quiet place
- Wake up at the same time each day
If these modifications do not enhance your sleeping practices, get in touch with a doctor to dig deeper into the factors behind your sleep disruption. The root cause may be illness, medication, or other health variables. Lifestyle habits like drinking alcohol or eating before bedtime, consuming too much caffeine, or napping during the day can also interfere with sleep.
Regardless of the cause it’s essential for your heart health to address your sleep problems as well as your eating and exercising.
For the body, mind, and soul, nothing is as healing or rejuvenating as getting a full night of uninterrupted rest and now there is scientific evidence to support the old saying that eight hours of rest is best.
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Entrust of DeSoto is a memory care community that puts resident well-being at the center of everything we do. We know that each person is unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of services and lifestyle options to nourish the body and create community.
We understand the importance of home cooked meals and nutrition for seniors and this attitude is reflected in our dining experience. If you or a loved one live near Dallas, Texas and need assisted living, contact Entrust of DeSoto today to learn about our 24-hour care and find out how we can help.
