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Is Your Sleep Affecting Your Blood Pressure?
The Hidden Link You Need to Know
The Sleep-Blood Pressure Connection
Do you often find yourself tossing and turning at night, unable to get the rest you need? If so, you might be putting yourself at risk for more than just daytime fatigue. Recent studies have shown a strong link between poor sleep and an increased risk of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
This connection between sleep and blood pressure is more significant than many people realize. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a host of health issues, with hypertension being one of the most concerning. Let’s dive deeper into how poor sleep can affect your blood pressure and what you can do about it.
Understanding Poor Sleep
Before we explore the link between sleep and blood pressure, it’s essential to understand what constitutes poor sleep. Poor sleep can manifest in several ways:
- Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Short sleep duration: Getting less than 7 hours of sleep per night
- Sleep fragmentation: Frequent awakenings during the night
- Poor sleep quality: Not feeling refreshed upon waking