Scientists from Scripps Research concluded that even a small shift—about one hour—in the usual sleep pattern may be associated with an increased risk of hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea.
The study involved approximately 400 adults. For nearly two years, participants provided data from fitness devices tracking sleep, as well as regularly completed medical questionnaires. This prolonged monitoring allowed for the identification of stable behavioral patterns that are typically unnoticed in short-term observations.
Data processing revealed that individuals with unstable bedtimes and wake-up times had more than twice the risk of experiencing brief pauses in breathing during sleep compared to those who adhered to a consistent schedule. Furthermore, with irregular sleep, the likelihood of increased blood pressure rose by 71 percent. Notably, it was not the total number of hours slept that mattered, but rather the absence of disruptions in the schedule.
The authors note that an unstable sleep pattern may serve as a marker for hidden disorders in the cardiovascular system. The potential of wearable devices as a tool for early detection of hypertension risks and sleep-disordered breathing is also emphasized. At the same time, the researchers point out that the identified relationship is observational, and further clinical work is needed to establish causal mechanisms.
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