
Steady Bedtimes May Shield Hearts After 40
A 10-year study of 3,231 adults started at age 46 found that people aged 40–60 with irregular bedtimes and less than 8 hours of sleep nightly had about double the risk of major heart events (such as stroke, heart failure, or cardiac-related death) compared with those with consistent bedtimes. Wake-time variability didn’t affect risk. The findings highlight the circadian rhythm’s role in heart health and support regular bedtimes and good sleep hygiene: wind down for at least an hour before bed, avoid caffeine and screens, and keep a dark, quiet sleep environment; if you can’t sleep, leave the bed and engage in a calm activity until drowsy.













