Ask Dr Miriam

Q I’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure and my doctor has difficulty finding a treatment to suit me. Is there anything I can do for myself? A Besides losing a bit of weight and avoiding salt, going to bed an hour early could help.

Researchers have found high blood pressure will return to healthy levels in six weeks if sufferers have an extra hour a night in bed.

Stress and lack of sleep have long been linked to hypertension, but the latest study from Harvard Medical School in Boston proves it can be brought under control by sleeping more. Researchers monitored 22 middle-aged men and women, all sleeping for seven hours or less a night. Thirteen were asked to go to bed an hour early, while the rest kept to normal routines. Those in bed earlier saw blood pressure readings drop sharply. It’s worth a try while your doctor is finding you a treatment.