Could changing this sleep habit help lower high blood pressure? Experts say it might

Staying up late to watch series, scroll through social media or simply postpone bedtime may carry a risk beyond tiredness and poor concentration. A new study links regularly sleeping fewer than six hours with a higher risk of high blood pressure among older adults.

The study, published in the journal Blood Pressure, analyzed the self-reported sleeping habits of more than 15,000 people aged over 65. Researchers divided the 15,650 participants into three groups: those sleeping fewer than six hours, those sleeping six to eight hours, and those sleeping nine hours or more. A total of 7,345 participants had high blood pressure.

Long sleep was not significantly associated with hypertension, while short sleep was linked to a higher risk. Cardiologist Dr. Cheng-Han Chen said sleep may affect more than whether people feel rested. “Sleep is not just a question of whether we feel refreshed. It could also play a role in regulating blood pressure and other processes that affect the heart and blood vessels,” he said.

Hypertension places additional strain on the heart and can damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Experts said the amount and quality of sleep could become a more important part of assessing overall cardiovascular risk. Spending enough time in bed does not necessarily mean getting good sleep. Frequent waking, difficulty falling asleep and severe daytime exhaustion can all signal poor sleep quality.

The article also stresses that sleep is only one part of cardiovascular health. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and managing stress may help protect the heart. Dietary advice includes more fiber-rich foods and quality protein, and less salt, saturated fat and highly processed food. Excessive alcohol consumption can also raise blood pressure.

The findings require caution because the study was observational. They show an association between short sleep and hypertension, but do not prove that insufficient sleep directly causes high blood pressure. Other factors, including existing illnesses, stress and diet, may also have influenced the results.

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Sleep is not just a question of whether we feel refreshed. It could also play a role in regulating blood pressure and other processes that affect the heart and blood vessels.