As you already know getting enough sleep is important for your health, but did you know that bad sleep habits could put you at risk for high blood pressure? Studies show short sleep duration or poor sleep quality is associated with high blood pressure. Let’s learn more about why that is and how you can improve your sleep.
If you’re worried about the link between sleep and high blood pressure in your own life, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explain the science behind this relationship and provide tips on how you can improve your sleep habits to maintain healthy blood pressure.
Link between sleep and high blood pressure
When you go to bed at night, your body encounters different sleep stages throughout the night. During deep sleep, your body repairs and regenerates cells, including those that make up your blood vessels. This process is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Conversely, when you do not get enough sleep or have poor quality sleep, your body does not have the chance to repair and regenerate these cells correctly. Along with leading to the threat of high blood pressure, this can also lead to a host of other health issues.
By consistent lack of sleep or reduced quality of sleep, your body produces stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can cause your blood vessels to narrow and your heart rate to raise, which can lead to high blood pressure.
In addition, sleep deprivation can lead to other heart problems linked to weight gain and diabetes. By regulating your schedule and finding the right balance, you can start minimizing health risks with the following tips.
How to improve your sleep habits for healthy blood pressure
Stick to a sleep schedule!
Stick to a routine all day, start by regulating your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends if you can.
Create a relaxing sleep environment
Choose a dark, calm, and cozy space with a cool temperature. Consider using relaxing methods like blackout curtains, earplugs, meditation apps, or a white noise machine to help put you in a quieter state of mind.
Limit screen time before bed
Turning off screens at least 30 mins to an hour before bedtime can lead to better sleep quality. The blue light emitted from electronic devices can disrupt the production of melatonin, a hormone essential for regulating sleep.
Get regular exercise!
Proper exercise can help improve your sleep quality and reduce your risk of high blood pressure. Aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (i.e. brisk walking or cycling) most days of the week can make a huge difference.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Experts recommend refraining from consuming caffeine and alcohol for at least a few hours before you go to bed. These substances are known to impact your ability to sleep well.
Seek treatment for sleep disorders
If you have indications of sleep apnea or another sleep disorder, look for treatment from a health care professional. Curing these conditions can help improve your sleep quality and reduce your risk of high blood pressure.
Overall, it’s clear that sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining not only healthy blood pressure but a healthier lifestyle. By following the tips, we have provided, you can improve your sleep habits and reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure.
