Poor Blood Circulation and Sleep Problems

• When we have poor blood circulation it has an effect on our sleeping patterns. It may even cause sleep disorders like sleep apnea
• Blood vessel plaque can cause buildup which can decrease mental clarity
• There are many other connections between good health and sleep
• You will see a difference if you improve poor circulation

Many of us have no idea that there is a connection between sleep problems and blood circulation. Sleeping is as vital to our bodies as food. Many attempts have been made to set the record for longest sleep deprivation, and some were able to remain awake for 11 days straight, curious about the effects. The results are destructive. The question is: what can you do when you want to go to sleep but are having trouble? There are many known sleep disorders, though some are not fully explained. In this article we will take a look at some sleep problems connected with poor blood circulation .

Have you ever heard of sleep apnea? This is a sleep disorder that can be described by pauses in breathing while a person is asleep. Each pause is noticeable, usually long enough for one or two breaths to have occurred. Such pauses take place repeatedly during the period of sleep. This disorder is associated with several diseases mostly related to blood circulation problems. Research is ongoing, investigating this problem and why it is associated with the heart and circulatory system. For instance, obesity, smoking, alcohol abuse…basically the major risk factors for high blood pressure are connected with sleep apnea. The risk of heart problems is greater for people who are overweight and for those who have existing sleep problems such as sleep apnea than it is for those who don’t. When a person has trouble breathing during sleep, carbon dioxide levels in the blood increase and oxygen levels decrease.

At the same time, another connection exists. This is between sleep problems and hypertension. People who don’t get enough sleep have a greater risk of developing hypertension, which can lead to cardiovascular disease later in life. The chances of high blood pressure increased three times for those with a lack of sleep than for those who get enough sleep. Teenagers with low sleep efficiency have an average of 4 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) higher systolic blood pressure when compared to those who have higher sleep efficiency.

The sleep process deals with the brain, which is made up of brain cells. If a sleep problem exists, it has something to do with the brain cells. In order for these cells to send and receive all messages in a proper manner, they need to be nourished by oxygen and essential nutrients. This is why when blood vessels are blocked on the way to the brain, the processes will not function efficiently. This causes blood vessel plaque to buildup from fat and cholesterol and is just another reason why sleep trouble can be dangerous.

Give your body enough sleep during the night or even the day. If you don’t think you are getting enough sleep and have some free time, try napping. This might positively rub off on your condition. On the other hand, be aware of your blood pressure and circulatory system. If you lead a sedentary life you should consider becoming more physically active. A balanced diet including low-fat food will play an important role in preventing elevated blood pressure.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.