During sleep, our body normally experiences a physiological drop in blood pressure. This rest is essential to allow the heart and arteries to recover after the demands of the day.
If this balance is disrupted by inappropriate behaviors before bedtime, the cardiovascular system remains in a state of permanent tension. A situation which, repeated over the long term, can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular accidents. What habits cause this imbalance? Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical, answers us.
Alcohol, a false friend for your blood pressure
While many people think that a glass of wine helps you relax before bed, the physiological effect is very different. “Alcohol can increase blood pressure and disrupt sleep.underlines Dr Gérald Kierzek.
Even consumed in small quantities, it acts on the nervous system, preventing tension from falling normally during the rest phase. Result: you wake up with a heart that has worked more than necessary.
Be careful of excess salt on your plates
The evening meal is often the scene of nutritional gaps, especially when we opt for easy solutions. “Salt promotes water retention which increases nocturnal vascular load.adds the doctor. Chips, cold meats, mature cheeses or industrial prepared meals are all traps rich in sodium.
This hydrosodium retention forces your blood vessels to maintain higher tension, preventing this famous nocturnal blood pressure drop essential to your cardiovascular health.
Stress and screens: the stimulating cocktail
The evening is supposed to be a decompression chamber, but it is often parasitized by exciting factors. Accumulated stress, tense discussions or prolonged use of screens keep your body on alert.
“Stress increases adrenaline and cortisol, which can raise blood pressure and heart rate.”warns the doctor. By staying under nervous tension, you send signals to your heart to stay in “action” mode, instead of going into “recovery” mode.
When sleep quality is lacking
The final link in the chain is sleep itself. Going to bed too late, insufficient rest time or undiagnosed disorders such as sleep apnea are major aggravating factors. “Poor sleep can disrupt nighttime blood pressure regulation.further specifies Dr Gérald Kierzek.
When sleep is fragmented or of poor quality, the body is unable to lower its physiological blood pressure, putting unnecessary strain on the cardiovascular system in the long term.
You have understood: in practice, it is rarely an isolated habit that causes tension to shift, but rather the accumulation of several bad reflexes. “Aperitif, salty snacks, late bedtime and short sleep combined to shift the tension“concludes our expert.”In a hypertensive person, this is particularly important because nighttime should normally be a period of lower blood pressure.”. To take care of your heart, focus on moderation and serenity from the start of the evening.