People recovering from heart failure may want to pay as much attention to their sleep routine as their medications. A new study from Oregon Health & Science University found that patients with irregular sleep schedules were more than twice as likely to face another medical crisis within six months.
Researchers followed 32 recently discharged patients using sleep diaries. Those who went to bed and woke up at inconsistent times were at much higher risk of returning to the hospital, visiting the ER, or dying compared with those who kept steady routines. The increased risk remained even after factoring in sleep disorders and other health conditions.
Experts believe that regular sleep patterns help stabilize blood pressure, heart rhythms, and other vital functions. While larger trials are needed, the findings highlight how important bedtime consistency may be for protecting long-term heart health.
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