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Are you getting the right amount of sleep each night? Lack of sleep can cause many problems – lack of concentration, anxiety, irritability, and impairs your cognitive judgement. New studies also suggest that lack of sleep or too much sleep is linked to high blood pressure and diabetes.

One study on this subject took place over a five year period. The researchers collected health information, such as blood pressure readings, and measured the amount of sleep 578 adults had by using measured using surveys and a sensor worn on the wrist that records periods of rest and activity. They found that those who slept for longer periods were much less likely to have higher blood pressure. They also found that sleep is much more important with age. After five years, each hour of reduction in sleep duration was associated with a 37-percent increase in the odds of developing high blood pressure. A different study also found that lack of sleep is associated with high blood pressure, but also found that too much sleep can have the same effect. Researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine studied almost 1,500 men and women by having them complete questionnaires about the number of hours of sleep they typically get. They then gave the participants blood tests to check their blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance, which can indicate the signs of diabetes. Their findings concluded that those who got five hours of sleep or less per nights were 2.5 times as likely to develop diabetes and those who slept six hours or less were 1.7 times as likely to have diabetes. Interestingly enough, they also found that those who slept 9 hours or more were 1.8 times as likely to develop diabetes.

High blood pressure and diabetes both contribute to millions of deaths around the world each year. The good news is that there are ways to prevent both in many cases. Getting the right amount of sleep (around 7-8 hours a night) is essential for proper health, as is a wholesome diet and lots of exercise.