Women Who Have Trouble Sleeping May Want to Check Their Blood Pressure

Women who have trouble sleeping may want to check their blood pressure.

A new study shows not enough sleep is linked to high blood pressure in women. The study tracked women who slept less than seven to eight hours a night and struggled to fall and stay asleep.

According to Carlos Ince, M.D., FACC, Chief of the Division of Cardiology at Mercy and a cardiologist with The Heart Center at Mercy, anyone who notices a lack of sleep that's affecting their daily life should seek help. He said he always starts with lifestyle changes.

"I think we all have had periods of time where you go home, and the wheels just keep turning and turning and turning. So, really being able to clear your mind sometimes, you know, take 10 minutes, put your favorite playlist on, listen to some music, read a book, go for a walk, do some exercise, something that kind of breaks that cycle, so that you can try and relax your mind, relax your body, so that you can get better sleep," Dr. Ince said.

At-home blood pressure monitors aren't perfect, but they will give an idea of what a person's blood pressure is. Dr. Ince said to look for a reading under 130 over 80.

View Mercy cardiologist Dr. Carlos Ince's interview regarding women, poor sleep and high blood pressure.