A newly-conducted study has discovered that going to bed between 10pm and 11pm reduces the risk of developing heart disease.
If you ever needed an excuse for an early night, this is it.
The study – which was written by Dr David Plans of the University of Exeter, and published in European Heart Journal – Digital Health, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) – found that compared to falling asleep between 10pm and 10.59pm, there was a 12% greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases for 11pm to 11.59 pm, and a 24% increased risk for falling asleep before 10pm.
There was also a 25% higher risk of cardiovascular disease associated with falling asleep at midnight or later.
The study included 88,026 people in the UK Biobank study, recruited between 2006 and 2010, with the average age of study participants being 61 years.
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Participants were aged between 43 and 79 years old, with 58% women.
“The body has a 24-hour internal clock, called circadian rhythm, that helps regulate physical and mental functioning,” Dr David Plans explained.
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“While we cannot conclude causation from our study, the results suggest that early or late bedtimes may be more likely to disrupt the body clock, with adverse consequences for cardiovascular health.”
The study included 88,026 people in the UK Biobank study, recruited between 2006 and 2010 / Credit: Flickr
Not only that, but a further analysis by sex found that the increased cardiovascular risk was also stronger in women.
Before the study, participants were required to complete demographic, lifestyle, health, and, physical assessments and questionnaires, and then researchers collected data on sleep onset and waking up time over seven days using a device worn on the wrist.
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Participants were then followed up for a new diagnosis of cardiovascular disease – which was defined as a heart attack, heart failure, chronic ischaemic heart disease, stroke, and transient ischaemic attack – and during an average follow-up of 5.7 years, 3,172 participants (3.6%) developed cardiovascular disease, according to the study.
The study ultimately found that this diagnosis was the highest in those with bed times at midnight or later, and the lowest in those with sleep onset from 10pm to 10.59 pm.
Dr David Plans admitted that the reasons for the observed stronger association between sleep onset and cardiovascular disease in women is unclear, but concluded that: “While the findings do not show causality, sleep timing has emerged as a potential cardiac risk factor – independent of other risk factors and sleep characteristics.”
“It’s important to remember that this study can only show an association and can’t prove cause and effect,” added Regina Giblin – Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation.
Featured Image – Pixabay
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
9th November 2021 
