Sleep is one of the ways we usually do to rest the body and brain after a day full of activities. Besides being able to restore the body's energy, a night of good sleep can also improve overall body health. Based on recommendations issued by the National Sleep Foundation, adults need at least 7-9 hours of sleep per day.

In the previous article, it was stated that poor sleep quality can have a negative impact on heart health. Those who slept less than 6 hours per day have a 20% higher risk of a heart attack. Several factors can affect these risks, including diet. In a recent study conducted by Columbia University Irving Medical Center, researchers found that poor sleep quality was associated with excessive calorie intake and increased risk of heart disease, especially in women.

The researchers found that those who had poor sleep quality tended to consume foods with high sugar content. This will certainly increase the risk of diabetes and obesity. In addition, those who have difficulty falling asleep and those who have symptoms of insomnia are known to have a higher calorie intake. Obesity is one of the main factors that can increase the risk of heart disease.

These results were obtained after an analysis of 495 female participants registered with the American Heart Association Go Red with an age range of 20-76 years. This study focused on the quality of sleep, the time needed to fall asleep, and the symptoms of insomnia experienced by the participants. In addition to reporting sleep quality, each participant also gave information about their eating habits. According to the researchers, adult women are known to be more susceptible to sleep disorders due to the influence of hormonal changes and their role as housewives.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Google Search Images

Source(s):

• Zuraikat, F. M., Makarem, N., Liao, M., et al (2020). Measures of Poor Sleep Quality Are Associated With Higher Energy Intake and Poor Diet Quality in a Diverse Sample of Women From the Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network. Journal of the American Heart Association, DOI: 10.1161 / JAHA.119.014587.
• Science Daily - The skinny on why poor sleep may increase heart risk in women (2020). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200217085214.htm, 18 February 2020.