Hit the Sack for Heart Health

The next time you’re considering an all-night Netflix binge, take this to heart: Numerous heart-related health risks are linked to sleep deprivation, including weight gain, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

What’s more, new research published in the journal Scientific Reports indicates that when you go to bed is just as important as the amount of sleep you get and that consistency is key: Study volunteers with irregular bedtimes had higher body mass index, blood sugar and blood pressure, and they were more likely to have a heart attack or stroke in the following decade than individuals who maintained regular sleeping patterns.

Protect your heart by going to bed at a consistent time, even on the weekends, and aim for at least seven uninterrupted hours of sleep per night.