Cebu City –The heart is considered the most important muscle in the body as it supplies oxygenated blood to the rest of the body for proper bodily function. But did you know that sleep can affect the health of your heart? Yes, sleep can affect your heart.

According to the Department of Health, cardiovascular diseases remain the highest attribution of death related to non-communicable diseases at 33% followed by cancer (10%), diabetes (6%), and chronic respiratory diseases (5%). Cardiovascular health awareness has been a serious health issue not just in the Philippines but also worldwide.

An adult person is required to have seven to nine hours of sleep per day. If a person is only getting less than seven hours of sleep per day, this could lead to sleep deprivation which is a risk for several health threats which include cardiovascular diseases. To perform at its optimum, your body requires sleep just as it does air and food.

A good quality sleep repairs the body and keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. Such as those that impact your blood sugar, blood pressure, and your inflammation levels, are all impacted by sleep.

Sleep might be a privilege or a luxury for some people, but sleep does not only mean taking a break or resting your body after a whole day of work. Sleep improves quality of life and helps you enjoy life’s moments.

As we celebrate the Philippine Heart Month, the Department of Health as well as the National Nutrition Council remind everyone to always keep your heart healthy not only by looking over your diet, exercising and staying away from vices but also having a quality amount of rest and sleep. For more nutrition information, visit the facebook page and webpage of the National Nutrition Council VII./ ND II Franz Cassandra R. Ontina, RND

Sources:
https://doh.gov.ph/node/9296
https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body#Cardiovascular-system