Development of a New, 8th Measure of Cardiovascular Health: Sleep
There are currently 7 measures of cardiovascular health: blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diet, physical activity, weight, and glucose. New research suggests that sleep should be added as an 8th measure.
Sleep is increasingly being recognized as an important factor in overall health. Numerous studies have linked sleep deprivation to a variety of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and obesity.
Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night, but many people get far less than that. In fact, nearly one-third of American adults do not get the recommended amount of sleep.
There are a number of ways to improve sleep quality, including avoiding caffeine and screens before bed, establish a regular sleep schedule, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine.
Adding sleep as an 8th measure of cardiovascular health is a simple way to help people improve their overall health and reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep is essential to good health. It is a time when your body heals, grows, and replenishes itself. Your brain sorts and stores information from the day, and your immune system gets a chance to fight off infections.
Not getting enough sleep can have serious consequences. It can put you at risk for developing chronic health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It can also lead to accidents and injuries.
There is growing evidence that sleep is an important factor in cardiovascular health. A recent study found that people who slept less than six hours a night had a significantly increased risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke.
The study showed that the risk of death from cardiovascular disease was nearly double in those who slept less than six hours a night. It was also significantly higher in those who slept more than eight hours a night.
These findings suggest that sleep is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Getting enough sleep can help you maintain a healthy weight, lower your blood pressure, and reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.