POOR SLEEP CAN LEAD TO SEVERAL PROBLEMS:
Sleep is an important part of daily routine and if you miss out on quality sleep, you may develop a host of health issues. Poor sleep can lead to low energy levels, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, slower thinking and even digestive issues. Hypertension, women who struggle with sleep may also be at a greater risk for hypertension.
CONNECTION BETWEEN SLEEP AND BLOOD PRESSURE:
Researchers looked at over 66,000 women between the ages of 25 and 42 for over 16 years. None of the participants had hypertension. The researchers recorded participant’s amount of sleep, as well as any sleeping difficulties they might have, such as trouble falling asleep, waking up in the middle of the night. The data took into account the participant’s age, race, BMI, diet, exercise, family history of hypertension, and other necessary factors.
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY:
The researchers found that women who had more sleeping difficulties were also having less physical activity, poorer diets, higher BMIs, and were also more likely to have hypertension. The researchers recorded just under 26,000 cases of hypertension. They found that women who were consistently getting less than 7-8 hours of sleep per night were much more likely to be one of those cases. Along with the reduced number of hours of sleep, sleeping difficulties were also linked with a higher chance of having high blood pressure.
WHY THE FINDINGS ARE IMPORTANT:
“These findings suggest that individuals who struggle with symptoms of insomnia may be at risk of hypertension and could benefit from preemptive screening. The sooner we can identify individuals with high blood pressure and treat them for it, the better we can mitigate future health issues.” It is important to note that the study proves a correlation between poor sleep and hypertension, not causation.
TIPS TO IMPROVE SLEEP QUALITY:
To improve your sleep quality, it is important to establish a consistent sleep/wake schedule. This involves going to bed at night and waking up in the morning at the same time every day, day after day. Exercising regularly is a good way to prime your body and brain for deep sleep and prevent hypertension. If sleep difficulties persist or you suspect you have insomnia, do not hesitate to consult your doctor for help.
