Author Interviews, Blood Pressure - Hypertension, Heart Disease, Sleep Disorders / 07.03.2019
Short Naps May Aid in Blood Pressure Control
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr Manolis S Kallistratos MD, PhD, FESC,EHS
Asklepeion General Hospital
Greece
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Lifestyle changes represent the cornerstone of treatment of arterial hypertension. Alcohol and salt reduction may decrease blood pressure levels by 2 to 8 mmHg.
In our study 60 minutes of midday sleep decrease 24 hours systolic blood pressure levels by up to 3 mmHg in well controlled hypertensives. That is an effect as potent as other well-established life style changes.
The magnitude of blood pressure decrease might seem small, but a drop in blood pressure as small as 2 mmHg can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events by up to 10 percent. (more…)