Study Finds Link Between Sleep Problems and High Blood Pressure in Women
In a recent study published in the academic journal ‘Hypertension’, researchers have discovered a significant association between sleep-related problems and the increased risk of developing high blood pressure in women. The study, conducted in the United States, analyzed data from 66,122 female participants enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS2), providing valuable insights into the impact of sleep deprivation on women’s health.
The participants, aged between 25 and 42, initially had undiagnosed hypertension when the study began in 2001. Over a span of 16 years, the researchers monitored the participants’ blood pressure every two years while taking into account various lifestyle and demographic risk factors. During the study, 25,987 participants were newly diagnosed with high blood pressure.
The findings revealed that women who slept less than 5 hours a day had a 10% higher risk of developing high blood pressure, while those who got 6 hours of sleep had a 7% higher risk. Interestingly, the risk did not increase among women who obtained more than 8 hours of sleep. Furthermore, women who reported experiencing sleep quality issues at any time of the day had a 14% and 28% higher incidence of moderate and severe hypertension, respectively.
While the study does not establish a direct causality between sleep and high blood pressure, the researchers proposed potential mechanisms. Factors such as changes in blood sodium concentration, arteriosclerosis, and increased heart rate due to sleep disorders could contribute to the development of high blood pressure. Moreover, disruptions in the natural 24-hour blood pressure pattern, influenced by sleep disorders, may further elevate the risk.
The researchers also noted that women struggling with sleep problems tended to have a higher body mass index (BMI), engage in less physical activity, and have unhealthy eating, smoking, and drinking habits. These lifestyle factors are known to increase the risk of high blood pressure, making it challenging to establish a clear causal relationship.
Given the complexity of the relationship between sleep and health, the researchers highlighted the importance of managing sleep hygiene and promoting efforts to ensure a restful night’s sleep. They also advised women experiencing sleep-related problems to monitor their blood pressure regularly and prioritize their overall health to prevent high blood pressure.
This study sheds light on the critical role of sleep in maintaining optimal health, particularly for women. By addressing sleep-related issues and adopting healthy habits, women can take proactive steps towards preventing high blood pressure and potentially other related health conditions.
By Han Ji-hyuk (hanjh3438@mdtoday.co.kr)
▲ Research has shown that sleep-related problems can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure in women. (Photo = DB)
[메디컬투데이=한지혁 기자] Sleep-related problems have been shown to increase the risk of developing high blood pressure in women.
Research results showing a close link between sleep deprivation and the increased risk of high blood pressure among women have been published in the academic journal ‘Hypertension’.
Recently, researchers in the United States conducted a large-scale analysis of 66,122 female participants enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS2) to investigate the effect of sleep deprivation on high blood pressure.
The participants were between the ages of 25 and 42 and had undiagnosed hypertension when the study began in 2001. The researchers measured the participants’ blood pressure every two years and followed their health status for a total of 16 years.
During the study, a total of 25,987 participants were newly diagnosed with high blood pressure. After carrying out an analysis taking into account lifestyle and demographic risk factors, the researchers found that sleep problems were significantly associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure in women.
Women who slept less than 5 hours a day were 10% more likely to have high blood pressure, and those who got 6 hours were 7% more likely to have high blood pressure. The risk of developing high blood pressure did not increase among women who got enough sleep for more than 8 hours. In addition, women who reported problems with sleep quality regardless of time of day had a higher incidence of moderate and severe hypertension by 14% and 28%, respectively.
The researchers explained that although the results of this study do not prove a direct causality between sleep and high blood pressure, factors such as changes in blood sodium concentration, arteriosclerosis, and increased heart rate due to sleep disorders could cause high blood pressure.
In addition, if the 24-hour blood pressure pattern, which naturally fluctuates between falling asleep and waking up, is affected by sleep disorders, the risk of developing high blood pressure can increase.
According to the researchers, women who struggled to get a good night’s sleep had a higher body mass index (BMI), less exercise, and more lifestyle problems such as eating, smoking and drinking habits. These factors can also increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, making it very difficult to establish a clear causal relationship.
The researchers emphasized that sleep is complexly linked to various aspects of health, and argued that various efforts, such as managing sleep hygiene, will be needed to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. They also recommended that women currently experiencing sleep-related problems should measure their blood pressure regularly and take care of their health to prevent high blood pressure.
Medical Today Reporter Han Ji-hyuk (hanjh3438@mdtoday.co.kr)
[저작권자ⓒ 메디컬투데이. 무단전재-재배포 금지]
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