SAN FRANCISCO: A recent study by Monash University reveals a concerning link between high blood pressure (hypertension), shorter sleep duration, and brain health. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the research underscores how insufficient sleep exacerbates the cognitive and physical impacts of hypertension, leading to accelerated brain aging and increased risk of dementia.
Key Findings:
Hypertension and Sleep: Participants with high blood pressure who slept less than six hours per night exhibited worse executive functioning and increased markers of brain injury on MRI scans.
Sleep Duration Matters: While the average participant reported seven hours of sleep, 32% had short sleep durations (<6 hours), which worsened outcomes for those with hypertension.
Brain aging indicators: High blood pressure, when combined with insufficient sleep, was linked to cognitive impairment and faster brain degeneration.
Treatment implications: The study highlights that both hypertension and sleep disorders are treatable, opening avenues for interventions to enhance cognitive health.
Broader implications:
Previous research supports that controlling hypertension slows cognitive decline, with early management critical to reducing risks like dementia and structural brain damage. Effective therapies targeting both sleep and hypertension may help mitigate long-term health challenges​