Lack of Sleep Raises Blood Pressure
| More than 7 million deaths occur each year worldwide due to high blood pressure. In the United States, one out of every three adults has high blood pressure. New research indicates that lack of adequate sleep could be contributing to this major health problem world wide.
In a recent study, researchers identified 578 young adults who all had good blood pressure levels. Then they followed these people for 5 years, tracking how much sleep they got regularly. They found that for each hour of reduction in sleep duration the risk of developing high blood pressure increased by 37 percent in both men and women. Most studies find that people who get at least 7-8 hours of sleep daily have the best health and lowest mortality levels.
In another larger study (NHAINES I) people who got 5 hours of sleep daily, compared to the recommended 7-8 hours daily, were 60 percent more likely to develop high blood pressure over the 8-10 years of follow-up.
Both of these large studies support the concept that short sleep duration is linked with higher blood pressure. If you want to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range (less than 120/80 for best health), be sure to get adequate rest daily. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep daily. Taking a midday knap can also be helpful in reaching your 7-8 hours.
Click Here To Download The Sleep Duration and Blood Pressure PowerPoint »
References:
1. Knutson KL, et al. Association between sleep and Blood Pressure in Midlife, Archives of Internal Medicine, 2009;169(11):1055-1061.
2. Gangwisch JE, et al. Short sleep duration as a risk factor for hypertension, Hypertension 2006;47(5):833-839.
|
| |
|
| |
