Here we go again. Even the smallest sleep disturbance can increase a woman’s risk of high blood pressure. This isn’t good. Women who slept for the recommended duration also experienced this increase. The key is eliminating any sleep disturbances altogether.
We know that insufficient sleep increases blood pressure, which leads to a risk for heart-related conditions. However, researchers recently completed a study that assessed whether or not less serious sleep issues could also cause measurable cardiovascular effects. What they found was, yes, it can.
Women are affected the most
About one-third of people in the U.S. do not get enough sleep with women affected more than men. Women are often more likely to be carers for children and elderly relatives, which accounts for their lack of sleep. They can also experience shifts in hormones both monthly and across their lifespan.
Because of this, researchers looked to focus on women in this new study. What they found was particularly worrisome because sleep deprivation and milder sleep problems may have a disproportionate effect on cardiovascular health in women.
As dental sleep medicine specialists, we need to help care for not only all our patients, but women in particular due to their increased chances of a lack of consistent sleep.
