Catching up on sleep at weekends linked to lower hypertension risk, study finds
New research shows that people who make up lost sleep on weekends have a lower risk of developing hypertension. Scientists say consistent sleep remains important for heart health overall.
A new study has found that people who sleep less during the week but compensate by sleeping in on weekends face a lower risk of developing hypertension, or high blood pressure.
According to the research, making up for a "sleep debt" over the weekend appears to offer some degree of protection for the cardiovascular system compared with those who lose sleep during the week and never recover it.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, affecting millions of people worldwide. Sleep duration and quality have long been studied as factors influencing cardiovascular health.
While the findings point to a potential benefit from weekend catch-up sleep, researchers note this does not mean an irregular sleep schedule is ideal. Consistent, regular sleep is still considered the best approach for overall health.
The study adds to a growing body of research examining the links between sleep habits and chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease.
