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Don't forget to turn your clocks back tonight (2 a.m. tomorrow morning to be precise). That extra hour of sleep doesn't just feel good, it may also be good for your heart.

Studies have shown that an extra hour of sleep is so beneficial that it actually reduces the incidents of heart attacks. Sleep deprivation is a major source of stress on the body and, in particular, the heart.



"Sleep—through a variety of mechanisms—affects our cardiovascular health," said Dr. Lori Mosca, director of preventive cardiology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, who was not involved in the research. The findings show that "sleep not only impacts how we feel, but it may also affect whether we develop heart disease or not."

Sleep can affect the heart through changes in blood pressure, inflammation, blood clotting, blood sugar, cholesterol and blood vessels, Mosca said. She suggested that anxiety from changes in routine may also be a factor, in addition to loss of sleep.

Apparently, heart attacks on the Monday following a return to standard time (when we gain an hour) drop significantly, whereas heart attacks on the Monday following a return to Daylight Savings (where we lose an hour) increase significantly.

Whether or not that proves gaining an hour of sleep is good for your heart, it certainly makes sense. Getting plenty of sleep is a must for a healthy heart, mind, and body. So turn back that clock and enjoy sleeping in tomorrow morning - it doesn't just feel good, it's good for you, too.