The Magic Hour for Better Heart Health

Columnist, Bill Murphy, Jr. stumbled upon a new sleep pattern on a recent trip. Experiencing jet lag, Murphy ended up going to bed at 10 p.m. for several days in a row, a new bedtime pattern for him. He discovered that he felt really good after this new bedtime regimen. But he was unaware of the extra benefit - that he was establishing a habit that increases his chances for a healthy heart.

A recent incredibly extensive UK health study involving more than 88,000 people found that those who go to bed between 10 and 11 p.m. were significantly less likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those heading to bed prior to 10 or after 11 p.m. 

While the correlation between bedtime and heart issues through this study was noticeable, we also know that correlation is not necessarily indicative of causation. However, Dr. David Plans, the lead study author points out that disruptions to our body clocks are known to have negative effects on heart health. Also, early or late bedtimes will have an adverse affect on our circadian rhythms.

In addition, Murphy surmises that those who go to bed consistently around 10 p.m. are more likely to also be scheduled in other areas of their lives such as wake-up times and mealtimes. A regular schedule benefits your health. Also, if you go to bed at 10, your likelihood to get a 7 - 8 hour sleep increases, which is the recommended daily amount.

So, why not try it? It can't hurt and it's likely to help not just your heart but the overall health of your body and your mind.