The time to “spring forward” is almost here and the change of clock means negative effects on the body impacting the heart most.
A study by AHA Journal, shows emerging evidence of various sleep problems developing heart failure. People with the highest sleep scores have a 75% lower risk of heart health issues than people with the lowest scores.
Dr. Samir Fahmy, MD, Director of Sleep and Heart Health at NYC Health and Hospitals/Kings County gave important tips to keep your heart and body healthy while you adjust to daylight savings time.
- Regularize sleep pattern - try to sleep and wake up at the same time everyday, even weekends.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine -- both are common causes of poor sleep.
- Avoid too much screen time before bed.
- Limit daytime naps to regulate your sleep schedule.
- Avoid heavy meals within a couple hours of bedtime.
- Practice daily physical exercise
- Start adjusting to the time change in advance by heading to bed 15 or 20 minutes earlier each night.
- Expose yourself to morning light.