Heart attack danger for insomniacs

A LACK of sleep increases the chances of dying from heart disease, a study warns.

Researchers say fewer than six hours is associated with a higher danger in people with several heart and diabetes risk factors.

The effect is particularly strong in those with high blood pressure and poor glucose metabolism.

Those at greatest risk are almost twice as likely to die, according to a study in Pennsylvania reported by the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Prof Jeremy Pearson of the British Heart Foundation said: “We should all try to find ways of making sure we get a proper night’s rest.”