The area of the brain that regulates sleep patterns also communicates with the area of the brain that releases hormones that can influence blood pressure.  Therefore, any negative influence on these areas of the brain can also interfere with the brain signals that influence blood pressure.  Chronic sleep disorders and low levels of sleep are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, obesity and reduced life span.  There is also a strong connection between sleep apnea and hypertension with obesity increasing the risk of both of these disorders.

Sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea, sleep deprivation and/or short sleep duration, is strongly associated with hypertension. It has been found that sleep deprivation can lead to higher risk of many chronic disorders.

Here’s what you didn’t know about sleep

Slow-wave stages of sleep comprise about 90 minutes to 2 hours (25%) of a typical night’s sleep and correspond with the deepest hours of sleep.  During this phase of deep sleep, blood pressure typically drops about 10 mmHg.  If this does not occur, it may influence daytime blood pressure and can be considered a risk factor for heart disease

Deep sleep is well known to be necessary for memory and mental performance and is often considered “restorative” sleep.  Unfortunately, the amount of deep sleep you get every night decreases as you get older.  The following situations can disrupt your deep sleep:

·         sleep apnea or other sleep disordered breathing

·         snoring

·         restless leg syndrome

How much sleep should you be getting?

It’s not just the amount of sleep you get every night, it’s the quality of sleep that also counts, but the recommended amount is 7-9 hours.  It may be that focusing on getting restful sleep (slow-wave sleep) as you age can help prevent hypertension.  Studies have shown that increased physical and cognitive activity during waking hours leads to increased amounts of deep sleep at night.  Here are some tips for   more restful sleep:

·         Go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday

·         Establish a “bed time” routine

·         Avoid caffeine, alcohol, large meals, spicy food and tobacco before going to bed

·         Take a hot bath 2 hours before bed

·         Slowly transition from a brightly lit room to a dimly-lit room

·         Avoid using electronic items