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OLDER men may be prone to high blood pressure if they suffer from a lack of sleep, according to a new survey. Researchers have discovered that a lack of deep sleep can increase the risk of the condition by as much as 80% over 3.4 years.
The study was conducted and reported by the American Heart Association journal Hypertension, the average amount of time 784 men aged around 75 spent in “slow wave sleep” (SWS) – a deep stage of slumber from which it is difficult to awaken – was measured.

It has always stereotypically been thought that it’s the women who are always kept awake by snoring. It looks like the tables have turned now. It is certainly bad news for men, as it means they are more likely to suffer a heart attack…if they don’t get enough sleep.

Natasha Stewart, of the British Heart Foundation, said: “We would need to see more research in other age groups and involving women to confirm this particular association. However, we do know that sleep is essential for staying healthy. It’s important we all try to make sleep a priority and get our six to eight hours of shut-eye a night.”

People who spend less than 4% of their sleeping time in SWS are much more likely to develop high blood pressure, or hypertension.
Their sleep quality was poorer in general, with a shorter duration, more awakenings at night and sleep apnoea. Body weight – a key factor in high blood pressure – was not found to be an influence on the findings, although many of the men were overweight or obese.

Professor Susan Redline at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, said: “Our study shows for the first time that poor-quality sleep, reflected by reduced slow-wave sleep, puts individuals at significantly increased risk of developing high blood pressure.”

“Although women were not included in this study, it’s quite likely that those who have lower levels of slow-wave sleep for any number of reasons may also have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure.”