How Sleep Affects Blood Pressure

We are probably stating the obvious but it's necessary to highlight that sleeping well can help lower blood-pressure. Here are some bullet points for getting a good night's sleep and how that will affect other parts of your health.

* Get plenty of sleep - When you are refreshed, you're better able to tackle daily problems, allowing you to avoid and better cope with stress.
* If you have difficulty falling asleep, try keeping a schedule. Go to sleep and awake at a consistent time each day. Don't make up for the lack of sleep on weekends. A bedtime ritual such as taking a warm bath or reading helps many people relax.
* Limit caffeine late in the evening for obvious reasons. This will include teas, sodas, and coffee. If you can't sleep, don't stay in bed. Get up, watch some television, or do something else in the house. If you stay in bed, you may get frustrated and have a harder time getting to sleep.

People with high blood-pressure are more likely to suffer from a condition called sleep apnea. In this potentially serious sleep disorder, breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. You may wake up feeling like your windpipe is blocked off, gasping for air. If you have been told that you snore loudly or you wake up feeling tired after a full night's sleep or you are sleepy during the day, it may be worthwhile to learn more about sleep apnea. Your doctor may refer you to take a sleep study, where you are monitored overnight for breathing patterns.