The Effect of Sleep Deprivation on Blood Pressure Among Medical Students with Normal BMI

Abstract

Sleep deprivation has become a growing health concern, particularly among medical students, due to academic pressure and irregular sleep patterns. Studies suggest that inadequate sleep may significantly impact blood pressure and irregular sleep patterns.

Studies suggest that inadequate sleep may significantly impact blood pressure levels, potentially leading to long-term cardiovascular complications.

This study was conducted to examine the association between sleep deprivation and high blood pressure among medical students with normal BMI and to emphasize the importance of getting adequate sleep to maintain optimal health and blood pressure levels.

This cross-sectional study was conducted over two months (October–December 2023) at Al-Iraqia Medical School, involving 106 third- and fourth-year medical students with normal BMI aged 20–22 years. Blood pressure measurements were taken using a mercury sphygmomanometer while participants were in a sitting position during college working hours. Participants were categorized into three groups based on their sleep duration: Group A: More than 6 hours of sleep, Group B: 4–6 hours of sleep, Group C: Less than 4 hours of sleep. The study adhered to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines to classify blood pressure levels. Among the 106 participants (62 females, 44 males): Group A ( >6 hours of sleep): 66.6% had normal BP, 26% had elevated BP, and 7.4% had Stage 1 hypertension. Group B (4–6 hours of sleep): 30% had normal BP, 40% had elevated BP, and 30% had Stage 1 hypertension. Group C ( <4 hours of sleep): 10.6% had normal BP, 36.8% had elevated BP, and 52.6% had Stage 1 hypertension. A gender-based analysis showed that males in Group C exhibited a higher prevalence of Stage 1 hypertension (32%) compared to females (21%), indicating that the effect of sleep deprivation on blood pressure is more pronounced in males than in females. The study demonstrates a strong association between sleep deprivation and elevated blood pressure in medical students with normal BMI. The findings indicate that reduced sleep duration significantly increases the risk of hypertension, particularly in males. These results highlight the importance of maintaining adequate sleep duration to prevent early onset of hypertension and associated cardiovascular risks.