New study finds link between sleep regularity and hypertension.

If you're anything like me, you're always looking for ways to improve your health. And one of the best ways to do that is to get a good night's sleep. But did you know that how you sleep can actually impact your health? According to a new study, people who have irregular sleep patterns are at a higher risk for hypertension.

In a recent study, data from 12,300 participants (aged 18-90 years) was analyzed to investigate potential associations between sleep regularity and hypertension. The study used an under-mattress sleep device and a portable blood pressure monitor to assess sleep duration and timing regularity. After controlling for age, sex, BMI, and mean total sleep time, the study found that sleep regularity was not significantly associated with hypertension. However, the study did find that participants who had a higher standard deviation in sleep onset time were more likely to have hypertension. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, the study provides valuable insights into the potential relationship between sleep and hypertension.

The study, which was published in the journal Sleep, followed 12,300 people over the course of 12 months. Participants were typically middle-aged (Mean ± SD; 50 ± 12 years) and predominantly male (12% females). Each participant had ~180 nights of recordings and ~70 blood pressure entries. There were 2,499 cases of hypertension defined as SBP>140 and/or DBP >90mmHg (20% of the sample). Across total sleep time quartiles, high sleep duration irregularity was consistently associated with a 9 to 15% increase in hypertension risk. A 38-minute increase in sleep midpoint irregularity was associated with an 11% increase in hypertension risk, independent of mean total sleep time and mean sleep midpoint. Similarly, a ~31-minute increase in sleep onset time irregularity was associated with a 29% increased risk of hypertension. So what does this all mean? Basically, if you have irregular sleep patterns, you're more likely to develop hypertension. And while the study didn't specifically say why this is the case, it's likely because irregular sleep patterns can lead to sleep deprivation, which has a whole host of health problems. If you want to stay healthy, it's important to get regular, quality sleep. So if you're someone with irregular sleep patterns, it's time to make a change. Talk to your doctor about ways to improve your sleep, and make sure you're getting the rest you need.

These findings suggest that sleep irregularity may have a significant impact on cardiovascular health. Further research is needed to assess the potential day-to-day effects of sleep duration and timing on blood pressure and other cardiovascular health outcomes.

We all know that a good night's sleep is important for our overall health, but we now know that sleep irregularity has been linked to worse cardio-metabolic health. So if you're having trouble sleeping, it's time to make some changes. If you're not sleeping well, there are a few things you can do to improve your sleep hygiene. First, make sure you're going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. This will help to regulate your body's natural sleep cycle. Second, create a calm and relaxing environment in your bedroom, free of distractions like TV or work. Third, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, as they can interfere with sleep. Finally, a mattress that is too soft or too hard can cause tossing and turning all night long, and lead to morning stiffness and soreness. A mattress that is too small can also be uncomfortable, leading to a restless night. Investing in a quality mattress is important for getting the best sleep possible. If you're still having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about other options, such as medication or therapy. Getting regular, quality sleep is important for your overall health, so don't overlook this important part of your wellness routine.

Source: Sleep, Volume 45, Issue Supplement_1, June 2022, Pages A93-A94, https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsac079.202 Published: 25 May 2022