Weekend sleep found to be linked to blood pressure – scientists

A new study has shown that extra sleep on weekends may reduce the risk of hypertension. Analysis of data from nearly 41,000 adults found that those who slept about 1 hour and 26 minutes longer on weekends had an approximately 9% lower likelihood of hypertension. The most notable association was observed among participants with a sedentary lifestyle.

A new study analyzing data from nearly 41,000 adults over the period from 2016 to 2023 has shown that extra sleep on weekends may be linked to a reduced risk of hypertension. Scientists compared participants' sleep duration on workdays and weekends and matched these indicators with blood pressure data. It was found that people who slept about 1 hour and 26 minutes longer on weekends had an approximately 9% lower likelihood of hypertension. The most notable association was observed among participants with a sedentary lifestyle. Researchers suggest that additional sleep helps the body recover from sleep deprivation accumulated during the workweek. During full sleep, blood pressure and heart rate typically decrease, giving the cardiovascular system time to recover. Specialists emphasize that one should not deliberately reduce sleep duration on weekdays for the sake of long sleep on weekends, and recommend regular and sufficient sleep throughout the week, as well as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and blood pressure monitoring.