Going to sleep between 10pm and 11pm is associated with a lower risk of developing heart disease compared to other bedtimes, new research suggests.

The study found that compared to sleep onset from 10pm to 10.59pm, there was a 25% higher risk of cardiovascular disease brought on by dropping off at midnight or later.

There was a 12% greater risk caused by falling asleep from 11pm to 11.59pm and a 24% increased risk for those who dozed off before 10pm, according to the study.

Further analysis by sex suggested the association with increased CV risk was stronger in women, with only sleep onset before 10pm remaining significant for men.