Gender differences in the relationships between weekday sleep duration, weekend catch-up sleep, and hypertension

How gender affects the relationships between weekday sleep duration, weekend catch-up sleep (CUS) and hypertension is unclear. This research aimed to examine the relationships between weekday sleep duration, weekend CUS and hypertension, with a specific focus on gender.

Data were from the 2017-2020 and 2021-2023 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Weekend and weekday sleep durations were determined by sleep questionnaire. Weekend CUS was defined as the distinction between weekday and weekend sleep duration. Hypertension was determined by hypertension questionnaire and blood pressure measurements. The relationships between weekday sleep duration, weekend CUS, and hypertension were assessed by weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis. Stratified analyses were conducted separately for men and women.

A total of 5,341 patients were enrolled in our final analysis including 2,613 men and 2,728 women. There was a total of 1,540 patients with hypertension (820 males and 720 females). The weekday sleep duration and weekend CUS differed between males and females (P < 0.001, P = 0.009). In the overall population and male population, weekday sleep duration and weekend CUS were not associated with hypertension. In the female population, compared with an average weekday sleep duration of 7-8 h, a duration of less than 6 h was associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension (Model 2: OR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.25-3.17), and short-term weekend CUS was associated with a reduced frequency of hypertension (Model 2: OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.60-0.97).

Our study underscored the relationships between weekday sleep duration, weekend CUS and hypertension, particularly highlighting the gender disparity. It is crucial to consider gender when designing and implementing interventions aimed at preventing and managing hypertension.