Consistent Circadian Rhythm Key for Heart Health

New AHA statement highlights importance of sleep, meal, and exercise timing for cardiovascular wellbeing

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association emphasizes the crucial role that the body's internal 24-hour clock, or circadian rhythm, plays in heart and metabolic health. Disruptions to this natural rhythm, such as irregular sleep schedules, late-night meals, and evening exercise, can significantly increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

Why it matters

For years, experts have known about the link between sleep quality and heart health. This new AHA statement goes further, showing that the precise timing of our biological processes - when we sleep, eat, and exercise - is just as important as what we do for optimal cardiovascular wellbeing. This shifts the conversation around healthy habits, highlighting the need to maintain consistent daily routines to protect our internal clocks.

The details

The AHA statement, authored by experts across various fields, outlines several factors that can disrupt circadian rhythm, including irregular sleep schedules, late-night meals, evening exercise, and exposure to artificial nighttime light, particularly from screens. These disruptions can lead to increased inflammation, stress hormones, weight gain, and blood sugar spikes - all contributors to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

  • The AHA scientific statement was published on February 11, 2026.

The players

American Heart Association (AHA)

A nonprofit organization focused on cardiovascular health and research.

Dr. Harneet Walia

Professor at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and medical director of sleep medicine at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For many years, we've known there is a link between sleep quality and cardiovascular health. Now there is a growing body of evidence showing that disruptions in circadian rhythm play a role in the development of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as cardiovascular disease.”

— Dr. Harneet Walia, Professor and medical director of sleep medicine (Mirage News)

What’s next

The AHA statement calls for more research to develop personalized recommendations for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm, but the existing evidence clearly shows the importance of consistent sleep schedules, well-timed meals, and regular exercise routines for reducing the risk of serious health conditions.

The takeaway

This research underscores that health is about more than just what we do - it's also about when we do it. Protecting our internal body clocks by establishing consistent daily routines can be just as crucial for heart health as diet and exercise, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to cardiovascular wellbeing.