Korea University study links weekend sleep to lower hypertension risk

New research presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress in Munich suggests that catching up on sleep during the weekend may reduce the risk of hypertension. A seven-year study conducted by scientists at Korea University, which tracked approximately 41,000 adults, found that modest weekend sleep recovery is associated with better cardiovascular health.

Researchers identified a “sweet spot” for this benefit: an additional 1 hour and 27 minutes of sleep was linked to a 9% decrease in the likelihood of high blood pressure. Overall, those who slept more on weekends had a 6% lower risk of hypertension. The benefits were notably more pronounced in physically inactive individuals, who saw a 6.9% reduction in risk.

Dr. Nawon Lee, a study author, explained that insufficient sleep during the week puts extra stress on the body, forcing the heart and blood vessels to work harder. Weekend sleep provides an opportunity for the body to recover from this stress. However, the study cautioned against excessive sleeping, noting that those who slept more than four extra hours on the weekend actually saw an increased risk of high blood pressure.