Improving sleep cycle

 Hypertension is a lifestyle disease but at the same time we can't deny the genetic component to it. Amongst the individual factors, stress in day to day life, working beyond one's capacity, resorting to drugs to relieve stress or as peer pressure and above all poor eating habits have led to high blood pressure in younger ones.

There are certain measures by which one can control their risks to hypertension. Dr. Sanjay Mittal Director- Clinical and Preventive Cardiology , Heart Institute, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram recommends the following:

Learn to have patience and to control anger- Some people who tend to lose their patience easily, are advised to follow yoga and meditation.

Follow de stressing activities- Stress and anxiety temporarily increases the blood pressure which may become a long term problem if not given due attention. People are advised to follow laughter therapy and clapping which helps them to distract, relieve pain and stress and improve their sense of living.

Improving sleep cycle- The decreased sleep causes increased risks factors of high blood sugar levels and increasing the risks/ worsening blood sugar levels. Our body releases hormones during sleep that helps repair cells and control the body’s use of energy. The unhealthy sleep routine, increased screen time lead to energy consumption which eventually make people feel feeling drowsy in the day time. The lack of sleep can cause confusion, anxiety, overeating and diabetic like conditions which increases the risk to hypertension by three fold. People should avoid sleeping during the day, stay in as much bright light during the day time, avoid caffeine at night, maintain a routine and avoid alcohol consumption.

Maintaining healthy weight- It has been observed that fat around the belly (pear shaped body) refers to increased insulin resistance which further gets converted into hypertension. People should control their sugar intake and avoid sweets, sugary drinks, and red meats.