Teens are being affected.
A new study has found that teenagers who get less than 7.7 hours of sleep per night are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, with the risk being even more significant for those who experience both insomnia and sleep deprivation. The research, presented at an American Heart Association (AHA) meeting, showed that teens facing both sleep issues are five times more likely to have a systolic blood pressure over 140, which is the upper number in a blood pressure reading. High blood pressure during adolescence can lead to a greater risk of heart problems later in life.
Researchers conducted the study with 421 students from schools in Pennsylvania. The teens were asked about their sleep patterns, and their sleep was monitored overnight in a laboratory setting. Blood pressure readings were taken several hours before sleep, and the results showed that teens with insomnia and insufficient sleep had a significantly higher likelihood of having elevated or high blood pressure. However, teens who had insomnia but managed to sleep more than 7.7 hours were not found to be at increased risk.
The lead researcher, Julio Fernandez-Mendoza from Penn State University College of Medicine, emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing sleep problems in teens to prevent future cardiovascular issues. He pointed out that not all teens who experience insomnia are at risk, but monitoring sleep duration can help identify those who are more vulnerable to heart health problems.
Axel Robinson, a high school senior involved in the study, highlighted the need to listen to teens who report trouble sleeping and to take steps to improve their sleep habits. The research is ongoing, with further data collection planned as the participants reach adulthood. This will help to better understand the long-term effects of poor sleep during adolescence.
The study underscores the importance of forming healthy sleep habits early in life to reduce the risk of heart disease in adulthood. AHA spokesperson Brooke Aggarwal emphasized that sleep issues during teenage years can persist into adulthood and contribute to long-term cardiovascular risks. Encouraging good sleep habits during adolescence is crucial for promoting lifelong heart health.
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