An extra 11 minutes of sleep every night reduces the risk of heart attack

The work, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, was carried out by specialists from Australia, Chile and Brazil. They analyzed data from more than 53 thousand middle-aged UK residents who participated in the Biobank project. In the study, researchers tracked sleep and physical activity levels using wearable devices such as smart watches, and participants self-reported nutritional information.

Scientists found that over eight years of observation, 2,034 serious cardiovascular cases were recorded. Based on these data, they determined the “optimal” prevention strategy: a balanced diet, sleep 8-9 hours a day and at least 42 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity every day. This combination can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by approximately 57%. In addition, the researchers identified a “clinically significant” combination of habits that can reduce the likelihood of developing diseases. This includes getting more sleep, improving your diet and increasing your level of physical activity.

The National Health Service (NHS) recommends that moderate activity include brisk walking, dancing, riding a lawnmower, water aerobics and cycling. Intense exercise includes running, swimming, jumping rope and aerobics.