Get Enough Sleep Last Night? Your Answer Might Hurt Your Heart…

Does this sound familiar?

You go to bed… your head hits the pillow and you expect to fall asleep within minutes. You wait… and wait… and nothing. The minutes on the clock turn to hours as you lay there, exhausted, but unable to fall asleep.

If you answered yes, you’re not alone. It happens to most of us at least once a week.

The occasional insomnia, while frustrating, is normal. Statistics show nearly 30% of adults sleep less than 6 hours a day.

But some of these people don’t have problems sleeping. They just choose to sleep less.

These “short sleepers,” claim they’re more accomplished and healthy with less sleep. They say they have more time to spend on their hobbies, to exercise, and to eat healthy. That their all-around wellness is better.  

But are 5 to 6 hours of sleep really enough?

What’s more, are “short sleepers” healthier than the rest of us who prefer our 8 hours? And how is our health affected if insomnia prevents us from getting a full night’s rest?

This topic was presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 2012 Scientific Session.

Research was shown on the sleeping habits of 3,019 patients over the age of 45. Each was grouped into one of three categories, based on how much sleep they said they get each night:

• Fewer than six hours;
• Between six and eight hours;
• Over eight hours.

Analysis showed one of these groups was most at risk for stroke, heart attack, and congestive heart failure.

Can you guess which one?

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