Taking a nap during the day helps to fight against high blood pressure



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It is estimated that almost half of American adults suffer from hypertension. Although many do not know it because it is often asymptomatic, the condition exerts a great influence. to tire your heart and some blood ships, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

New research reveals that midday naps could actually deter high blood pressure. The results reveal that people who indulge in daytime naps have a drop in blood pressure.

"The midday sleep seems to reduce the blood pressure of the same value as the other lifestyle changes.For example, the reduction of salt and alcohol can lower the blood pressure from 3 to 5 mm Hg", said Manolis Kallistratos, MD, a cardiologist at the Asklepieion General Hospital in Voula, Greece, and one of the co-authors of the study.

The study showed that a daytime nap was associated with a mean fall in blood pressure of 5 mm Hg and that, every 60 minutes of sleep at midday, the average systolic blood pressure on 24 hours was lowered by 3 mm Hg.

"These results are important because a drop in blood pressure not exceeding 2 mm Hg can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, up to 10%," Kallistratos explained.

"According to our findings, if someone has the luxury of napping during the day, it can also be beneficial against high blood pressure.The nap can be easily adopted and generally costs nothing. "

A study of 212 people

The study followed 212 people with an average blood pressure of 129.9 mm Hg and assessed and recorded their blood pressure for 24 hours. They also took into account lifestyle habits and the speed of impulses.

When analyzing the results, the researchers adjusted factors known to influence blood pressure, such as age, sex and medications. They found that for each nap hour, 24-hour average systolic blood pressure decreased by 3 mmHg.

"We obviously do not want to encourage people to sleep for hours during the day, but on the other hand, they should not feel guilty if they can take a nap, given the potential benefits. for health, "Kallistratos said.

"Although both groups received the same number of drugs and the blood pressure was well controlled, there was still a significant drop in blood pressure for those who slept at noon."

Further research is still needed to validate these results. However, Kallistratos will present the current study "Mid-Day Sleep Effects as Powerful as Recommended Lifestyle Changes in Patients with High Blood Pressure" on Monday, March 18th. at the 68th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology.

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