Experts say that the quality of sleep affects cardiovascular health, but the important question here is: how many hours are needed? According to the health-focused website (verywellhealth), the American Heart Association has added sleep to the list of factors influencing heart health and has defined the appropriate amount of sleep hours.
A study published in a journal associated with this association noted that sleep directly and indirectly affects heart health.
Researchers recommended the appropriate number of sleep hours for different age groups to avoid severe consequences as follows:
- Age 0-1 year: 16 hours
- Age 1-2 years: 11-14 hours
- Age 3-5 years: 10-13 hours
- Age 6-12 years: 9-12 hours
- Age 13-18 years: 8-10 hours
- Age 19 and older: 7-9 hours
The study reviewed health records of more than 23,000 individuals aged 2-79 years, comparing the average sleep hours of these individuals with the recommendations from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Researchers observed a correlation between sufficient sleep hours and heart health, which is also influenced by other behaviors such as a healthy diet and physical activity.
Donald Lloyd-Jones, a co-researcher in the study, stated that the appropriate sleep duration for adults is between 7-9 hours.
