Why A Regular Bedtime Is Crucial To Your Heart and Metabolism

Going to bed at a decent time will not only help you feel more well-rested for the day ahead—but it's also important for keeping your heart healthy and to better your metabolism.

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Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day is vital for your health, according to a new study published in the journal "Scientific Reports."

The sleeping patterns of almost 2,000 adults ages 54-93 who had no history of sleep disorders were examined by Jessica Lunsford-Avery and her team. The volunteers wore sleep tracking devices that picked up on the slightest variations in bedtime patterns.

Those volunteers that had irregular bedtimes had a higher body mass index, higher levels of blood sugar, higher blood pressure, and higher levels of hemoglobin A1C. They also found that those who had a difference in sleep and waking times between the weekend and the weekdays had a higher risk of heart disease.

"As some research suggests, perhaps poor sleep interferes with the body's metabolism which can lead to weight gain, and it's a vicious cycle," said Lunsford-Avery. Looks like it's time to set a bedtime routine!