07 Mar Short Naps May Aid in Blood Pressure Control

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Kallistratos

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. 

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

1) They shouldn’t feel guilty if they can take a short nap given the potential health benefits.

2) Midday sleep habits should be recorded in patients’ medical history.

3) There are many aspects of healthier lifestyle, beyond the traditional ones not so well described and understood. 
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?

Response: Given the consistent effect even in well treated hypertensives we are going to assess the potential effect of midday sleep on hard endpoints ie cardiovascular outcomes.

Any disclosures?

LE Poulimenos and MS Kallistratos are the lead coinvestigators, cardiologists from Asklepeion General Hospital Athens Greece under the direction of AJ Manolis

ACC 2019 abstract
Mid-day Sleep Effects as Potent as Recommended Lifestyle Changes in Patients With Arterial Hypertension

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Last Updated on March 7, 2019 by Marie Benz MD FAAD