Women who participated in the Nurses’ Health Study, were evaluated for the relationship between sleep duration and hypertension. In women who slept 5 hours or less, the incidence of hypertension was significantly higher than among those women who slept 7 hours. This association of 5 hours or less and hypertension was seen only in women under age 50, and not in women aged 50-59. While many variables and confounding issues were considered such as race, age, diet, smoking, drinking and work shift, other issues that can influence sleep such as anxiety or binge drinking may not have been assessed.
Commentary: It’s so important to acknowledge the simple and common sense things that can affect our health. In this case, improved duration of sleep might help you not get high blood pressure! Check! I’m off to bed.
Reference
Gangwisch J, Feskanish D, Malaspina D, et al. Sleep duration and risk for hypertension in women: results from the Nurses’ Health Study. Am J Hypertens 2013 Apr 4 (Epub ahead of print)
