A new study that was published in the journal Sleep, found that people who suffer from insomnia have heightened nighttime blood pressure levels, which can result in serious cardiac problems. The study looked at the blood pressure of insomniacs versus normal sleepers for a 24 hour period.

"Over many years, chronic insomnia can have negative effects on the hearts of otherwise healthy individuals," according to the lead author of the study Paola A. Lanfranchi, a professor in the Université de Montréal Faculty of Medicine. "Whereas blood pressure decreases in regular sleepers and gives their heart a rest, insomnia provokes higher nighttime blood pressure that can cause long-term cardiovascular risks and damage the heart."

These findings are important considering that insomnia is a chronic condition in which people have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. This is not just a rare occurrence. Insomniacs, especially those who may already have high blood pressure or other cardiac problems, are increasing their risk for such problems as heart disease and heart attacks.

According to Lanfranchi, "Since blood pressure is heightened among insomniacs, those with overt cardiac disease are particularly at risk for progression of the disease."

    

As if not being able to sleep wasn't bad enough...

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