Keeping a heart healthy takes getting a good night’s sleep.
With family responsibilities, stress at the job, white-knuckle gridlock, the pace of our lives can really take a toll on our hearts.
They also make it hard for us to slow down and just rest.
But, Dr. Eric Yang from Mayo Clinic says it is a must. “Sleep does have a profound effect on heart health and overall health.”
So how much is enough?
Dr. Yang says seven to nine hours of good quality sleep should do the trick for most people.
“That doesn’t mean being in bed seven to nine hours watching the late show,” says Dr. Yang. “It means quality undisturbed sleep.”
Mayo Clinic offers these seven tips for a restful night:
1. Stick to a sleep schedule – go to bed and get up at the same time every day
2. Pay attention to what you eat and drink – do not got to bed hungry or stuffed
3. Create a bedtime ritual – do the same things each night to signal your body to wind down
4. Get comfortable – create a room ideal for sleeping: cool, dark and quiet
5. Limit daytime naps – limit yourself to 10 to 30 minutes in the midafternoon
6. Include physical activity in your daily routine – exercise promotes better sleep
7. Manage stress – get organized, set priorities, delegate tasks if you can
As always, ABC15 is committed to your heart health. We encourage you to learn your numbers and sign up for our “Rally For Red” Newsletter at abc15.com/rallyforred.
