AHA adds sleep to list for optimal cardiovascular health

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – How much sleep you get is now officially considered an essential part of cardiovascular health, according to the American Heart Association’s "Life Essential 8" checklist.

The AHA recommends 7 to 9 hours of sleep for adults, 10 to 16 hours for children five and under, and around 9 hours for children six and up.

With the addition of sleep, the list now includes diet, physical activity, limited nicotine exposure, body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure.

To check out the Life’s Essential 8 checklist, please click here.