We all know that we need to get enough sleep to lead healthier lifestyles, and to give us enough rest to heal and enough energy for the day. How many hours sleep should I get? And did you know that we can sleep too much?
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal has suggested that people who sleep over 8 hours every night are increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease!
116 632 people from 21 countries were part of the study and the results found that those sleeping over 10 hours increase their risk of cardiovascular disease by 41%. The study also found that those napping during the day increase their risk of cardiovascular disease if they slept more than 6 hours per night.
So how many hours sleep should we aim for per night? And what is normal?
The study suggests that we should aim for between 6 – 8 hours per night, and that a person who is sleeping more than 9 hours or less than 6 hours should follow up with their doctor for a health check.
If you feel tired on waking, or during the day, you may not be getting enough quality sleep and follow up with a doctor will lead you on the journey to a better night’s sleep.
What happens if I don’t get enough sleep?
Sleep is restorative for the mind and body, and is necessary to keep your body in equilibrium. Lack of sleep doesn’t just cause you to feel tired, but impacts your memory, physical health and if you are continually getting poor sleep affects your health.
Sleep helps to support your immune system, your cognitive and physical health as well as appetite regularity and overall health. Lack of sleep can cause short and long term health problems such as weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, as well as a range of mental health disorders including mood disorders and Alzheimer’s. And if that isn’t enough to make you want to get enough sleep, a lack of sleep increases pain levels, chronic fatigue and pain as well as fibromyalgia.