A recent study conducted in the United States suggests that adhering to a consistent sleep schedule can significantly benefit cardiovascular health. The research indicates that maintaining regular sleep times may contribute to lower blood pressure and improved overall heart function.
The study, published by Oxford University Press, monitored the sleep habits of 11 adults with pre-existing high blood pressure. Participants were initially observed for a week to establish their baseline sleep patterns. Subsequently, they were instructed to select a specific bedtime and adhere to it consistently for a two-week period. Notably, the study did not mandate a specific number of sleep hours or restrict daytime naps.
Prior to the intervention, the participants’ bedtimes varied by approximately 30 minutes. During the study, this variability was reduced to just seven minutes. Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University and the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences reported that maintaining a consistent sleep schedule resulted in a reduction of systolic blood pressure (the top number) by four points and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) by three points over a 24-hour period. This reduction is comparable to the effects of reducing salt intake or engaging in regular physical exercise.
Furthermore, the study revealed that consistent sleep schedules led to even greater blood pressure reductions during sleep, with systolic pressure decreasing by five points and diastolic pressure by four points. A five-point reduction in blood pressure is associated with a 10% decrease in the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers emphasized that irregular sleep patterns disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, which plays a crucial role in regulating sleep and heart function. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, on the other hand, promotes healthy sleep patterns.
The researchers suggest that if further studies validate these findings, adopting a consistent bedtime could represent an affordable and accessible strategy for mitigating the risk of heart disease.
