Hypertension Even mild sleep disorders significantly increase blood pressure

Even mild sleep problems in women increase blood pressure

The sleep problems and cardiovascular health related has been shown in numerous studies. A recent US study now suggests that even mild sleep problems, such as poor falling asleep, can increase the blood pressure of the female sex.

Researchers at Columbia University's Irving Medical Center in New York recently published a study that found that mild sleep problems in women may be associated with hypertension. According to the university, nearly a third of adults suffer from poor sleep. The results suggest that this could be a health risk, especially for women. The study was recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Even mild sleep disorders in women are suspected to cause inflammatory processes that promote cardiovascular disease. (Image: Sven Vietense / fotolia.com)

Women are more likely to suffer from chronic sleep disorders

"Chronic sleep disorders in women occur twice as often as in men," the researchers write in a press release on the study results. Researchers said that even mild sleep problems in women can increase blood pressure. This also applies to women who had slept seven to nine hours a night and only suffered from falling asleep.

Disproportionate effect on cardiovascular health

"This is worrying, as studies have shown that sleep deprivation and milder sleep problems can have a disproportionate impact on women's cardiovascular health," says lead author of the study, Brooke Aggarwal of the Columbia University School of Medicine. The new study looked at the sleep habits of 323 healthy women in terms of blood pressure.

Slight sleep problems increase blood pressure

According to the researchers, mild sleep disorders such as poor sleep, longer sleep time and insomnia are about three times more common than severe sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (respiratory failure). In women with such mild sleep problems, there was a significant increase in blood pressure even though otherwise healthy women slept seven to nine hours a night.

Inflammatory processes as a trigger?

In some subjects, the arm veins were examined for pro-inflammatory proteins. In fact, the researchers found a link between inflammatory processes and mild sleep disorders. "Our findings suggest that mild sleep problems can potentially trigger vascular endothelial inflammation," reports Aggarwal. These inflammations are suspected to make a significant contribution to cardiovascular disease.

A clinical trial should check the results

"The results of an ongoing clinical trial could confirm these findings," says Aggarwal. In the meantime, it may be useful to examine women for milder sleep disorders to prevent heart disease, advises the expert.

Healthy sleep is a foundation for good health

During sleep, the brain detoxifies. Sleep disorders can reduce this process. Both too much and too little sleep can damage our health. Naturopathy relies on sleep aids on natural sleep aids such as gentle lavender scent instead of chemical sleeping pills. (Vb)