sleep deprivation & blood pressure

I am a big fan of sleep; it gives the body a chance to rest and recharge for the following day's work. I have already written about how sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain and prevent weight loss. A new study shows that inadequate sleep is a significant risk factor for high blood pressure (hypertension) as well. Hypertension. 2006 May;47(5): 833-9. People between the ages of 32 and 59 who had five or fewer hours of sleep a night had a significantly increased risk for developing high blood pressure. This risk remained elevated even after controlling for variables like depression, alcohol consumption, obesity and diabetes. So do your body & mind a favor and try to get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep every night!