In response to a study in JAMA(1) suggesting that getting more sleep reduces calcification (hardening) in coronary arteries, Ellen Mason, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), said:

"It is not yet clear quite how sleep affects our heart disease risk but this study adds to previous research suggesting that getting enough sleep may help to keep our heart and circulation healthy.

"Sleep is essential for our body's ability to repair itself, and with the party season in full flow it is important to try and get enough rest. Drinking alcohol late at night, and getting up early can mean we're not getting enough quantity, or quality, of sleep.

"The most important advice for protecting our heart health during the festive season has not changed: don't leave the party to have a smoke, be more physically active and dance the night away, and try not to pile on the pounds by over-indulging on Christmas treats."

(1) Short Sleep Duration and Incident Coronary Artery Calcification. JAMA. 2008;300[24]:2859-2866

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