People Who Wake up Early May Be at Risk

A new study shows a possible correlation between waking times and major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. In fact, those who routinely wake up too early may be at a greater risk of dying from a sudden cardiovascular event than those who get the proper amount of sleep. Sleeping too much may also increase cardiovascular risks. So it's important to get the right amount of sleep. And, unfortunately, people are finding it increasingly difficult to get a good night's sleep. A 24-hour economy combined with an overload of responsibilities and an unending pressure to perform has left many sleep-deprived. 

Study Links Waking Early with Cardiovascular Risk

A study conducted by the University College London Institute of Cardiovascular Science found that white Europeans were 1.3 times more likely to die from a cardiovascular event than South Asians and African-Caribbeans when they woke up too early. The study followed more than 4,000 people and found that those who regularly woke up earlier than intended or those who woke up feeling tired were at a higher risk of dying from a cardiovascular event.

White Europeans showed the most elevated risk. However, other ethnic groups also had an elevated risk, so this study should alarm everyone. Sleep quality did not seem to be a factor, according to the study.

Why People Aren't Sleeping Long Enough

A 2013 GALLUP poll revealed that 40% of people in the U.S. fall short when it comes to getting the recommended amount of sleep. Approximately 26% only get six hours of sleep, while 14% get five hours or less. But why? Why are Americans not getting enough sleep?

According to the poll, those who got the least amount of sleep had several things in common: they were employed, employed but considered low-income and had children. This all lends credence to the belief that life and responsibilities are increasingly getting in the way of a good night’s sleep. Additionally, the trend toward the 24-7 gig economy and the rising cost of living is putting even more pressure on sleep-deprived individuals.

As these don't seem to be going away anytime soon, we collected some research on sleep to try to help if the above is concerning.

How to Get the Perfect Amount of Sleep

The National Sleep Foundation recommends getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, depending on age and a body’s individual needs. Those who feel groggy despite getting 8 hours of sleep may need to bump it up to nine.

It's also important to practice good sleep hygiene to get the most out of the hours devoted to sleep. Ideally, we should all go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to help prevent tossing and turning. Do not nap during the day. Get regular exercise, and take steps to make the sleep environment as comfortable as possible.

It turns out that sleep, whether too little or too much of it, may adversely affect cardiovascular health and raise the risk of sudden death caused by a cardiovascular event. For this reason, it's vital to get the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep on a regular basis. And if these tips don't help, visit a doctor and consider a sleep study because more than feeling rested may be at stake.

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