Sleep and Caffiene

According to research, the average adult needs between 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night to stay healthy and function at their best. Getting enough sleep each night ensures that a person will have the energy to get through their day. But let’s face it, with the pressures, concerns, and needs of everyday life, most adults aren’t getting the sleep that they need. Throw in Daylight Savings Time and we’re all feeling the need for a little extra energy to make it to sunset. But before you reach for that XXL double shot espresso or that jumbo sized “energy” drink, let’s have a look at how lack of sleep and added caffeine could have negative effects on your vein health.

Not getting enough sleep has been linked to diabetes, stroke, and depression. Weight gain and high blood pressure are also side effects of not getting a good night’s rest and can contribute to the formation of varicose veins. Yikes!

It’s easy to understand how high blood pressure can contribute to varicose veins. When the valves in your leg veins aren’t working properly and the blood pressure in those veins is too intense, the veins can bulge. This added pressure can not only affect the appearance of your legs, but it can lead to discomfort and pain as well.

But how does a little extra weight gain contribute to the breakdown of your vein health? When you are carrying excess weight, there is more pressure on your veins. And as your veins work hard to push blood back up to your heart, the extra weight can damage or weaken the valves in your veins.

Getting enough sleep and limiting your caffeine intake are great steps to take for a healthier life and overall health of your veins. But don’t stop there. To discuss more ways to improve your vein health be sure to contact Vein Specialist Dr. Eston Wenger to set up an appointment. Give Dr. Wenger, a call at Premier Surgical Associates of Cleveland, TN, at (423) 472-5423 or click here to request an appointment online.