Increased risk of cardiovascular disease if you wake up like this every morning.
The potential deleterious impact of commencing one’s day with the jarring sound of an alarm clock is underscored by a recent study, revealing a noteworthy health consideration. The findings indicate that awakening to the intrusive nature of an alarm clock may contribute to elevated blood pressure levels, thereby augmenting the susceptibility to adverse cardiovascular events, including but not limited to stroke and heart attack.
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease if you wake up like this every morning.
Recent research findings indicate that the act of awakening to the sound of an alarm clock may contribute to an elevation in blood pressure, thereby amplifying the susceptibility to adverse cardiovascular events, including but not limited to stroke and heart attack.
Yeonsu Kim, a doctoral student in nursing at the University of Virginia School of Nursing, evaluated how waking up to an alarm contributes to the morning rise in blood pressure, which occurs when people move quickly from sleep to wakefulness.
Although all of us experience some degree of blood pressure rises in the morning, those who regularly have elevated morning blood pressure could be at an adverse risk of cardiovascular events.
How the (small) research was done
The study evaluated 32 participants over two days. Participants wore smart watches and blood pressure monitors to measure their blood pressure both during sleep and when they woke up. On the first day they all woke up without an alarm clock, while on the second day with an alarm clock after five hours of sleep. Blood pressure measurements were then analyzed in both cases.
“Exercising caution in interpreting the results of this initial investigation and recognizing the need for validation in a larger sample, the research identified a significant difference. Individuals who conscientiously compelled themselves to initiate their waking process exhibited a morning surge in blood pressure, surpassing that of their counterparts who awoke naturally, with a notable margin of 74%. “This is evidence of a link between short sleep duration, forced awakenings, and morning blood pressure ,” said Kim.
Sleep affects blood pressure
Previous studies have shown that sleeping less than seven hours a night increases the risk of high blood pressure and – in parallel the risk of stroke or heart attack. Researchers attribute this phenomenon to increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system .
With increased blood pressure in the morning, the sympathetic nervous system is activated. The “fight or flight” response of the sympathetic nervous system causes the heart to pump blood harder. This stress on the heart causes fatigue, shortness of breath, anxiety and neck stiffness. When stress intensifies, it can cause nosebleeds and headaches.
Kim’s study beautifully contributes to the existing body of research, illuminating the most delightful ways to embrace the morning and start the day with joy. A 2020 study recommends waking up to melodious sounds to avoid feeling restless after sleep. Another study in 2021 revealed that exposure to morning light reduces the body’s production of melatonin, which helps you wake up and stay alert throughout the day.