Results: Not Enough Sleep is Bad for your Heart

Were you aware that a lack of sleep can be detrimental to your health?

The study found that people who sleep fewer than 7 hours per night have lower blood levels of three physiological regulators, or microRNAs, which influence gene expression and play a key role in maintaining vascular health. Did you know that 7 hours or more of sleep is needed each night to maintain optimal health?

Despite recommendations by the American Heart Association that people get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, about 40 percent of adults in the United States fall short. Overall, the average American's sleep duration has plummeted from 9 hours nightly to 6.8 hours nightly over the past century. Do you frequently get less than 7 hours of sleep a night?

In another recent study, it was found that adults who sleep 6 hours per night have dysfunctional endothelial cells -- the cells that line blood vessels -- and their arteries don't dilate and constrict as well as those who get sufficient sleep. Were you aware that a lack of sleep can hinder your circulatory system?

If you are one of the many people who don't get enough sleep on a regular basis, is this information enough to encourage you to do what you can to get more restful sleep - consistently?