A snooze a day may help control high blood pressure
By Wendy Haaf
A midday siesta may help keep a lid on blood pressure, European researchers report.
In a preliminary study, results of which were presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 68th Annual Scientific Session, 122 adults with reasonably controlled hypertension wore devices that measured and recorded their blood pressure readings throughout the day as they carried out their regular activities. The average age and blood pressure readings of participants were 62 and 129.9/76.7 mmHg, respectively.
Overall, average systolic blood pressure readings (top number) were 5.3 mmHg lower in people who took a daytime snooze compared with those of non-nappers: 127.6 mmHg vs. 132.9 mmHg. That’s important, the study authors say, since even a two mmHg drop in systolic pressure can reduce the risk for cardiovascular events such as heart attack by up to 10%.
Photo: iStock/fizkes.
