A good night’s sleep: Advice to take to heart

Irregular or insufficient sleep increases your risk of cardiovascular disease.

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If you're one of the many people who toss and turn nightly, you already know that a bout of sleeplessness can hamper your productivity and sap your quality of life. But the ramifications of poor sleep extend far beyond a cranky mood. Research shows that an on-going sleep deficit can ultimately endanger your heart health.

Hazards of poor sleep

Tens of millions of Americans experience a chronic lack of sleep. While some people shortcut the customary eight hours of snooze time in favor of work or social pursuits, many others suffer from insomnia or another disorder that curtails a healthy slumber.