Warning: Sleep Deprivation Increases Risk of Heart Attack (and what to do about it)

As busy as your life may seem, you need sleep. Most doctors recommend that you get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep every night. Find out why you need sleep and the effects of sleep deprivation.

Lack of Sleep Connected to Cardiovascular Disease

Most of the effects of sleep deprivation are easily noticeable. You are likely to have difficulty concentrating, you may feel fatigued, fuzzy headed, and have trouble functioning at your peak level. While these symptoms may seem severe, they are not as threatening as the possible risk to your cardiovascular health.

According to a 2011 report on the effects of sleep deprivation, researchers discovered that people that did not get enough sleep had a 48% increase in coronary heart disease. They are also at great risk of dying from stroke or experiencing cardiovascular illnesses.

This 2011 report included 15 separate medical studies that all came to similar conclusions – people need sleep and one of the effects of sleep deprivation is an increased risk of various cardiovascular illnesses.

These studies are not alone in their conclusions. Over the years, there have been dozens of other studies that show a link between a lack of sleep and cardiovascular disease.

Teens are Getting Enough Sleep

Adults are not the only ones that need to pay attention to their sleep schedule. Teens need sleep, as their brains are still developing. A lack of sleep can lead to poor performance in school and can have a long-term effect on their brain development.

Studies show that teens are the most sleep-deprived group in society. Furthermore, American teenagers are the most sleep-deprived group in the world. While the average adult should get 7 to 8 hours of sleep, most doctors recommend that teenagers get about 10 hours of solid sleep each night.

Getting 10 hours of sleep is incredibly difficult, but it is possible. Most schools start between 7:30 and 8:30 am, which mean that you child would have to get up by 7 am in most situations. To get 10 hours, they should be in bed by 8:30 pm, so that they can be asleep by 9 pm.

If you want your teen to succeed, make sure that they get enough rest. Set a bedtime for the whole family.

You need sleep. It can be difficult to get the recommended amount of rest, but everyone should make an effort to sleep 7 to 8 hours each night. If you are having trouble getting to sleep, you should find ways to relax before bed. Try not to consume caffeine in the afternoon and avoid eating several hours before bedtime.

Above all – the best method of getting to sleep is to set a bedtime. If you go to bed at the same time every night, your brain will get used to the routine. Within one or two weeks, you should find your sleep difficulties decrease.

The effects of sleep deprivation are enormous. The impact that it can have on your health is very serious. A lack of sleep can increase your risk of heart attack and death. Start making an effort to get a good night’s rest.