Heart disease remains a major health challenge for people in the United States. It affects millions each year, accounting for 1 in every 5 deaths — a reminder of why heart health needs to stay a top priority.
The American Heart Association and the NFL Alumni Association have teamed up to highlight ways to boost heart health. By sharing the experiences of NFL players, they aim to inspire others to embrace a heart-healthy lifestyle, which includes one critical factor: sleep.
Why sleep matters for heart health
Sleep isn’t just about feeling rested — it’s a vital component of heart health. When you sleep, your body goes through essential processes that help regulate heart rate, blood pressure and inflammation levels. Consistently missing sleep or dealing with untreated sleep disorders disrupts these processes, putting extra strain on your heart.
One major concern is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This forces the heart to work harder, contributing to increased blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms and reduced oxygen levels in the blood. Over time, this can lead to serious heart issues, including stroke and heart failure. Research shows that severe, untreated OSA more than doubles the risk of dying from heart disease.
The good news? CPAP therapy, the most common treatment for OSA, can dramatically improve sleep quality, restore oxygen flow and reduce the strain on the heart. Studies have found that CPAP therapy not only enhances overall health but also helps lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
Beyond treating sleep disorders, getting enough quality sleep is key to maintaining heart health. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends adults get 7 or more hours of sleep each night.
Lessons from NFL players on sleep
NFL alumni like Aaron Taylor and Josh Andrews have spoken openly about their experiences with sleep disorders. Taylor, a Super Bowl champion, was diagnosed with OSA. Once he sought treatment, he found his energy levels and overall well-being improved significantly.
Andrews was diagnosed with narcolepsy — a chronic sleep disorder characterized by the inability to control normal sleep/wake cycles. By effectively managing the sleep disorder, he’s been able to maintain his performance on the field while supporting his long-term health.
Their stories show that addressing sleep problems isn’t about toughness — it’s about taking control of your health.
Life’s Essential 8: Building a stronger foundation
The AHA’s Life’s Essential 8 framework recognizes sleep as a core component of heart health, alongside health behaviors such as eating better, being more active and avoiding tobacco. By adding sleep to this list, the AHA emphasizes that healthy sleep is an essential part of maintaining heart health.
This inclusion reflects the growing understanding that poor sleep contributes to the same health risks as other factors like high cholesterol or blood pressure. Prioritizing quality sleep is essential for long-term heart health.
Take control of your health
The partnership between the AHA and NFL Alumni Association serves as a reminder that improving heart health includes improving sleep. It’s never too late to make changes that can benefit both your heart and your overall health.
If you’re experiencing an ongoing sleep problem, use the AASM’s sleep center directory to get help from the sleep team at an accredited sleep center.
Medical review by Ahmed Saleh, MD
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