New Study Links Short Sleep Duration to High Blood Pressure Risk

News Desk

Islamabad: A recent extensive and longitudinal study has revealed a concerning correlation between insufficient sleep and an increased risk of high blood pressure.

Numerous previous studies have highlighted the connection between inadequate sleep and elevated blood pressure. However, this recent research has provided further insight by establishing a clear association between sleep duration and hypertension.

The study, which reviewed 16 separate investigations spanning six different countries, analyzed the health records of millions of individuals. These investigations were conducted between 2000 and 2023 and collectively involved the evaluation of high blood pressure in over a million volunteers.

The findings of the study were striking: individuals who slept less than seven hours a day were found to have a heightened risk of developing high blood pressure.

According to a prominent Iranian professor involved in the research, the likelihood of experiencing high blood pressure increased by 7% in those who slept for less than seven hours, and further rose to 11% among those who slept for only five hours.

While the study establishes a clear link between insufficient sleep and high blood pressure, it falls short of identifying the underlying causes of sleep deprivation.

However, experts speculate that factors such as depression, alcohol consumption, smoking, and various other lifestyle habits could contribute to sleep disturbances.

The repercussions of inadequate sleep are severe, comparable to the risks posed by heart disease and stroke, and can lead to a range of other health complications.

In light of these findings, experts recommend prioritizing sleep hygiene and aim for a minimum of eight hours of sleep per day to mitigate the risk of high blood pressure and associated health issues.