Your sleep-related habits are not something to be taken lightly. Sleep is widely regarded as a pillar of good health, as it helps repair and restore both the mind and body. Time and again, its importance is highlighted in medical research and health discussions.ALSO READ: Sleep doctor shares 2 rules to fix sleep routine and rest better: ‘When you go to bed at 10…’
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However, healthy sleep is not one-dimensional. It encompasses your bedtime routine, what you eat or drink before going to bed, the duration and the quality of your rest, and even behaviours such as snoring or waking frequently during the night. One possible ramification of consistently poor sleep is a heightened risk of high blood pressure.
We asked Dr Gaurav Minocha, senior director and head of interventional cardiology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, about why sleep is important for you, and how it may impact blood pressure. He also recommended six healthy sleep habits that may help reduce the risk of hypertension.
Can poor sleep increase hypertension risk?
The cardiologist confirmed,“If we don’t get enough sleep or sleep quality is not good, we can develop high blood pressure. Moreover, what happens if you silently suffer from high blood pressure? He added, “Over time, high BP can gradually impact hormones, heart rate, and the function of blood vessels.”
Poor sleep is not only about the obvious early morning grogginess. Dr Minocha believed that there are some signs which may indicate you are not getting sufficient sleep. He mentioned, “The first signs of sleep deficiency include redness or heaviness in the eyes, headache or just restlessness.”
The cardiologist listed five healthy sleep habits in a brief guide that may improve sleep quality and support better blood pressure management:
In a nutshell, you have to sleep well to protect your heart and cardiovascular system. When you follow consistent sleep timings, limit screens and stimulants before bed, and pay attention to frequent waking or loud snoring. And most importantly, hypertension develops without any obvious signs, which is why, even when you are not sleeping well, you may not see any obvious signs that you have developed hypertension. This makes regular blood pressure checks essential. See a doctor if you have a hectic schedule and sleep poorly.
Dr Gaurav Minocha has over 23 years of experience. His areas of special interest are coronary and peripheral interventions (including stenting), preventive cardiology, and heart failure management.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
