The lack of sleep increases your risk of heart disease, according to a newly released report.

U.S. researchers said that too little sleep causes the body to produce hormones that can cause inflammation of the heart and that could lead to heart disease and stroke.

The study conducted by Emory University School of Medicine revealed that receiving six hours or less of sleep caused a 25 percent increase in inflammatory hormones.

"It remains uncertain whether short sleep duration contributes directly to cardiovascular mortality, or whether it is a mediating or moderating factor," Dr. Alanna Morris of Emory University, told the London Telegraph.

Experts find that short and long sleep durations are often connected with high blood pressure, obesity, and psychological stress.

Previous research shows that people who sleep between seven and eight hours a night live the longest.