Healthy Sleep - Life's Essential 8 Behavior
Summary
Healthy Sleep is one of the health behaviors outlined in Life’s Essential 8™, the key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health, as defined by the American Heart Association. Better cardiovascular health helps lower the risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems. Key details listed below.
How Much Sleep do you need?
Getting a good night’s sleep every night is vital to your heart and brain health.
- Adults should aim for an average of 7-9 hours.
- Babies and kids need more depending on their age.
Benefits of Sleep
- Better brain function including alertness, decision-making, focus, learning, memory, reasoning and problem-solving
- Improved mood and energy
- Stronger immune system
- Healing and repairing of cells, tissues and blood vessels
- Less risk of chronic disease
How Sleep Affects Your Health
Sleep is an important time for your brain to reset. Regular, restful sleep is important to keep your brain running smoothly. Poor sleep may put you at higher risk for:
- Depression and anxiety
- Memory loss and dementia
- High blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol
- Obesity
- Heart disease
Don't miss our Tips for Success found here and the Fact Sheet infographic and other multimedia on the right column.
How to lower your risk for cardiovascular disease
- Know your numbers and follow the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8™
- Health Behaviors: Eat better, be active, quit tobacco, get healthy sleep.
- Health Factors: Manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar, manage blood pressure.
Please consult with your physician or healthcare team about what is best for your health.
Helpful Links:
- Statements & Guidelines | Statistics
- Embargo and Recording Policies
- Images | General B-roll and Animations
- Association Newsroom | @HeartNews
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries and American Heart Association Expert Perspective:214-706-1173; AHAcommunications@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
