Poor Sleep May Lead to Heart Problems

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Not getting enough sleep as a teenager could hurt your heart when you get older.

A new study from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio looked at of 238 13-to 16-year-old boys and girls. It found the odds of elevated blood pressure increased 3.5 times for those who didn’t get good sleep – those who have trouble falling asleep or wake up too early – and 2.5 times for those who slept less than 6.5 hours.

Results also show 14 percent of the teens had pre-hypertension or hypertension with blood pressures in the 90th percentile for their height, age and gender. 26-percent of the participants had low sleep efficiency; 11 percent slept much less than 6.5 hours.

“Part of the problem is the technological invasion of the bedroom with computers, cell phones and music,” senior author Susan Redline, M.D., M.P.H., Case Western Reserve University, was quoted as saying. “There are teens who text message or listen to music all night, compounded by early school hours. Adolescents need nine hours of sleep. Parents should optimize sleep quality for their family with regular sleep and wake times and bedrooms should be kept quiet, dark and conducive to sleep.”

Researchers also found more sleep problems among the more “vulnerable population” such as poorer children and minorities – groups already known to be at higher risk for hypertension and other health problems.

Redline says more research is needed to determine whether preventing hypertension in children should not only include weight management and exercise, but good sleep habits, as well.

SOURCE: Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association published online August 18, 2008

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