ATLANTA — Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule may help protect your heart, according to new research from the American Heart Association.

The study found that changes in sleep timing from night to night over approximately six months were associated with a 20% to 23% higher risk of serious heart problems.

Researchers also linked very long sleep cycles to a 55% higher risk of heart attack or stroke.

The findings suggest that maintaining regular sleeping habits could play a role in supporting cardiovascular health.

The study’s lead researcher says keeping consistent bedtimes, wake-up times and sleep duration from night to night is a practical step people can take that may help protect their heart and blood vessels.