Impact of Chronic Sleep Deprivation on Blood Pressure Variability and Early Cardiovascular Dysfunction Among Medical Residents: A Clinical Observational Study
Impact of Chronic Sleep Deprivation on Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Function
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69750/dmls.02.011.0170Keywords:
Sleep, Hypertension, Variability, Autonomic, Cardiovascular, Inflammation, ResidentsAbstract
Background: Long working time, night shifts, and strenuous clinical duties all present as a challenge to medical residents expose them to chronic sleep deprivation. Autonomic imbalance, disturbed circadian rhythm, and premature cardiovascular dysfunction have all been associated with persistent sleep loss.
Objectives: To examine how chronic sleep deprivation affects blood pressure fluctuations and early cardiovascular changes among tertiary care medical residents.
Methods: It was a clinical observational study conducted at Sahara Medical College, Narowal, Pakistan, between January 2024 and May 2025, and in 80 medical residents aged between 24-35 years. The 14-day wrist-worn sleep trackers and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used to measure the time of sleep. The cardiovascular exam included 24-h ambulatory blood pressure, heart rate variability, resting heart rate, 12-lead ecg and hs-CRP. The respondents were separated into sleep-deprived (less than 6 hours/night) and adequate sleepers (6 hours/night and more). Her statistical analysis was performed with the assistance of SPSS 26, and p less than 0.05 may be regarded as significant.
Results: Systolic (14.9 ± 3.7 mmHg) and diastolic (12.6 ± 3.2 mmHg) blood pressure variability, nighttime systolic pressure (131 ± 11 mmHg), and non-dipping patterns were more common in sleep-deprived residents. They also had a lower level of heart rate variability (31.8 ± 8.3 ms) and an elevated resting heart rate (91.3 ± 10.9 bpm), elevated levels of hs-CRP (3.9 ± 1.2 mg /L), and more ECG abnormalities than became the case with adequately rested residents.
Conclusion: The increased blood pressure variability, autonomic dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and early cardiovascular changes are highly connected with chronic sleep deprivation among medical residents. Structured duty-hour reforms and better sleep hygiene practices are required to prevent cardiovascular damage in this group.
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