Sleep and the heart: duration, quality and consistency all matter

When we discuss sleep, the first question is usually, “How many hours should I sleep?” It is a good question, but it is not the only one.

For most adults, the target is an average of seven to nine hours. Sleep quality and the consistency of the daily schedule also matter.

Bedtime does not have to be kept to the exact minute. It is helpful, though, to avoid constantly changing it and to keep similar bedtimes and wake-up times where possible.

If someone sleeps enough hours but wakes up tired, snores loudly or has pauses in breathing during sleep, the issue is more than their schedule and needs assessment.

Sleep should have a place in the cardiac history, alongside exercise, diet and smoking.