A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics has shed light on the impact of inadequate sleep on children’s blood pressure. The study revealed that going to sleep earlier and sleeping for longer durations is associated with lower blood pressure in children.
The research, which analyzed 539 patients with an average age of 14.6 years old, found that children who went to sleep later had worse blood pressure parameters during the day. On the other hand, those who slept for longer periods had reduced blood pressure levels. These results remained consistent regardless of age, gender, body mass index, and the day of the week.
According to Dr. Amy Kogon, the lead author of the study, the findings suggest that lifestyle factors, such as sleep habits, play a significant role in children’s blood pressure. This highlights the importance of considering sleep as an additional factor in managing high blood pressure in children.
Surprisingly, the study also found that longer sleep duration was associated with blunted “nocturnal dipping,” which is the expected drop in blood pressure during sleep. This was particularly evident in patients who reported excessive sleep duration, suggesting that poor sleep quality may impact blood pressure regulation.
While the study had some limitations, such as being a retrospective review of data and not capturing information on sleep quality or sleep disorders, it provides valuable insights into the relationship between sleep and blood pressure in children.
High blood pressure affects about one in every seven people between the ages of 12 and 19, posing risks of stroke and heart attack. In addition to sleep, other factors like obesity, physical fitness, diet, and environmental stress can also influence blood pressure levels in children.
To address inadequate sleep among youth, experts recommend that children between 6 and 12 years old get 9-12 hours of sleep each night, while those between 13 and 18 should aim for 8-10 hours. However, studies show that many children are not meeting these recommendations, with a significant percentage reporting insufficient sleep on school nights.
Improving sleep quality in children involves more than just limiting screen time. According to sleep expert Michael Gradisar, adjusting morning bright light therapy to match a person’s body clock timing can help normalize sleep patterns and improve overall sleep quality.
In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of adequate sleep in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels in children. By addressing sleep habits and promoting healthy sleep patterns, parents and healthcare providers can play a crucial role in supporting children’s cardiovascular health.