TRASTORNOS DEL SUEÑO COMO FACTORES ASOCIADOS A HIPERTENSIÓN ARTERIAL PRIMARIA EN TRABAJADORES INFORMALES DE SANTA ELENA - ECUADOR

Abstract

Introduction: Alterations in the sleep-wake cycle lead to hormonal imbalance, increasing the production of stress hormones such as cortisol, which may contribute to the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, sleep disruption can adversely affect glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes. Additionally, inadequate sleep can compromise immune function, increasing susceptibility to infections and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the relationship between sleep disorders and blood pressure levels. Methodology: Informal workers in Santa Elena, Ecuador, specifically street vendors, were studied. Pittsburgh and Epworth questionnaires were used to evaluate sleep quality and daytime sleepiness, and blood pressure was measured twice. Results: One hundred participants were studied, with 52% being male. High blood pressure was observed in 93% of cases, poor sleep quality in 61%, and daytime sleepiness in 39% of cases. Spearman's correlation showed no 2 significant association between sleep disorders and blood pressure (p>0.05). The analysis revealed no association between questionnaire scores and high blood pressure (p>0.05). Conclusion: Despite literature evidence, this study did not find a significant association between sleep disorders and high blood pressure in informal workers. The importance of considering sleep as a cardiovascular risk factor is emphasized, although the results of this study suggest that its effect may be modest.