Take Action Toward Better Heart Health:

Stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other heart risks. Not getting enough sleep or regularly getting poor quality sleep increases the risk of having high blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.

You don’t have to work on improving your sleep and reducing stress alone. Here’s some ideas to keep you motivated with the help of others:

• Practicing meditation, being more physically active, doing relaxation therapy, and talking with someone you trust can help you cope with stress and sleep better.
• Find a friend or family member who shares your goals. Together, take steps to lower your stress and follow healthy sleep practices, like having a regular bedtime and not eating late at night.

For more information and ideas, use these links:

• NHLBI Sleep Resources
  • Sleep and Your Health
  • Sleep Deprivation and Deficiency
  • Deep Breaths to Manage Stress GIF
  • Sleep Helps GIF
  • Sleep Diary
  • Sleep Brochure
• Resources about Stress
  • Stress Less for a Healthier Heart
  • 5 Things to Know About Relaxation Techniques for Stress (NCCIH)
  • Publications about Stress from the National Institute of Mental Health 

More Ways to Take Action Toward Better Heart Health

• Increase Physical Activity
• Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
• Know and Control Your Heart Heath Numbers
• Stop Smoking
• Maintain a Healthy Weight