Make Sleep Deprivation Hypertension

Those who slept only 6 hours, 42 percent more likely to have hypertension, while those used to sleeping no more than 5 hours the risk is 31 percent higher. The study reported in the journal Hypertension.

This study has recently studied women only, not in men. According to study leader, Dr. Francesco P. Cappuccio from Warwick Medical School, Coventry, these findings indicate the possibility of a special relationship of sex, decreased sleep time, and blood pressure. Even so, the reasons must be of this finding remains unknown.


Numerous studies link poor sleep quality to an increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Many of these studies focused on people with breathing disorders sleep apnea (stopping breathing during sleep). However, some evidence suggests, loss of sleep without any obvious interference, is also detrimental to health.

For the study, Cappuccio and his team used data from long-term health study of 10,300 white British civil servants aged 35-55 years. The researchers focused on respondents who are free from high blood pressure in the 1997-1999 phase of the study and be assessed again in 2003-2005.

During the two-phase, 76 and 68 percent, respectively, from the original group, included in the evaluation. At reassessment, 20 percent of respondents newly diagnosed with high blood pressure and the risk is greater among women with short sleep time.

Risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking, being overweight, or sedentary lifestyle, partially contributing to the relationship. Nevertheless, free relationship between sleep and blood pressure remained.

Experts speculate that loss of sleep can contribute to high blood pressure. This is because lack of sleep makes the nervous system in a state of hyperactivity, which in turn affects systems throughout the body, including heart and blood vessels.

According to Cappuccio team, need more research to confirm that sleep duration affects blood pressure levels, and why these effects may differ in women and men.