Going to bed during the “golden hour” between 10.00 pm and 11.00 pm cuts the risk of developing heart problems, claims a study.

Scientists found a link between bedtimes and heart attacks and strokes.

Women who stay up later than 11.00 pm are more at risk.

The University of Exeter research showed going to bed after midnight may damage the heart.

It’s thought people are less likely to see morning light, disrupting the natural body clock.

Lead author Dr David Plans said:

“The body has a 24-hour internal clock, called circadian rhythm, that helps regulate physical and mental functioning.

‘The results suggest that early or late bedtimes may be more likely to disrupt the body clock, with adverse consequences for cardiovascular health.

“Our study indicates that the optimum time to go to sleep is at a specific point in the body’s 24-hour cycle and deviations may be detrimental to health.

“The riskiest time was after midnight, potentially because it may reduce the likelihood of seeing morning light, which resets the body clock.”

The study looked at data from more than 88,000 British adults between the age of 43 and 74.

The research said encouraging people to get to bed before 11pm could reduce the risk of heart disease for millions of people.