Weekend Lie-Ins May Lower Hypertension Risk
A new study presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress finds that a moderate weekend lie-in, with an ideal benchmark of 1 hour 27 minutes
Getting extra sleep on the weekend may protect against high blood pressure. A new study suggests an ideal benchmark of 1 hour 27 minutes of catch-up sleep.
The research was presented in Munich at the annual congress of the European Society of Cardiology. The study author is Dr. Nawon Lee of Korea University in Seoul.
For years, experts warned that weekend lie-ins could disrupt the body's internal clock. Now, analysis provides a heartening caveat to that advice.
Study Findings on Catch-Up Sleep
The study looked at 40,000 adults in South Korea over seven years. Weekend catch-up sleep was defined as the difference between weekend and weekday sleep duration.
Overall, weekend catch-up sleep was associated with a 6% reduction in the odds of hypertension. A slightly greater benefit was seen in people considered physically inactive. They were 6.9% less likely to have high blood pressure if they had a weekend lie-in.
Dr. Lee's analysis identified the 1hr 27min benchmark as the ideal amount. Someone getting this amount of extra sleep would be 9% less likely to have high blood pressure.
Expert Commentary and Cautions
Dr. Lee explained the potential mechanism. "Not getting enough sleep puts extra stress on the body," she said. "It keeps the heart and blood vessels working harder and can increase blood pressure."
She cautioned that getting too much could be harmful. People sneaking in more than four hours extra sleep at the weekend were at greater risk of hypertension.
"I think moderate weekend catch-up sleep may have a protective effect," Lee said. "However, when weekend catch-up sleep becomes excessive, the degree of sleep irregularity and circadian disruption may increase, which could offset that benefit."
She added that keeping a regular sleep schedule is still important.
Broader Context and Reaction
Globally, more than 1.3 billion people have hypertension. They face a much higher risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and early death.
Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan, a consultant cardiologist with the British Heart Foundation, commented on the findings. She was not involved with the research. "Many of us struggle to get enough sleep during the week due to work, family and social commitments," she said.
"This study is not a green light for physical activity to take a back seat," Babu-Narayan noted. "But for now, perhaps we don't need to feel guilty about getting up late at the weekend."
The study suggests that while other ways to avoid high blood pressure remain crucial, people should no longer feel guilty about getting up late at the weekend. Dr. Lee's final advice was clear: "People should not feel lazy or guilty for sleeping a little longer on the weekend."
