The many benefits of getting enough sleep every night are evident. Nevertheless, as a result of busy schedules, many often find getting enough sleep at the bottom of their priority lists. The recommended amount of sleep varies depending on age, but the average adult is advised to get at least seven hours of good sleep per night. Getting less than the recommended amount of sleep can increase your risk of developing various diseases. For example, a recent study focused on the effect of insufficient sleep on blood pressure.
The average adult should aim for at least seven hours of sleep. Good sleep quality is essential for maintaining overall health.
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The study was presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session. The researchers reported that less than seven hours of sleep is associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, or hypertension, over time. Data from 16 studies were compiled to compare the occurrence of hypertension in over a million people from six different countries. These individuals had no prior history of high blood pressure, and follow-ups ranged from 2.5-18 years.
The research found that sleeping less than seven hours was associated with a 7% increased risk of developing hypertension in the future. Additionally, it was found that sleeping less than five hours was linked to an 11% elevated risk of acquiring high blood pressure. Furthermore, the study uncovered that women who slept less than seven hours had a 7% increased risk of acquiring hypertension in the future compared to men.
Hypertension can serve as a gateway to very serious chronic diseases down the road such as coronary artery disease or stroke. Ensuring to get an adequate amount of sleep every night is critical in reducing the risk of developing such diseases and maintaining optimal heart health.
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