A 2006 sleep study at Columbia University involved the examination of survey data on 4,810 people (excluding those who were overweight or suffered from sleep disorders) and found that those who slept less than 5 hours a night increased blood pressure by an average of 60 percent.

Sleep deprivation -- and, whether you agree or not, getting less than five hours of sleep is classified as being sleep deprived -- stimulates stress hormones, which cause spikes in blood pressure. Now, if you start missing sleep regularly, that's when the more long-term problems with blood pressure begin, as it may lead to lasting damage to heart valves.

But, what about people who try to sleep but simply can't? Their minds are whirring, they toss and turn in the bed, and before they know it, it's 3:00 in the morning. Doctors suggest engaging in an evening exercise program. Once completed, your body's core temperature will be lower, and you will feel physically taxed from the workout. Next Stop: The Land of Nod. Population: A healthier You.

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After a long hard day at work, a little quality time with your sweetie may just improve your health. That's what Canadian researchers found when they studied the blood pressure of 229 healthy adults. Those who reported high job stress and martial disharmony had an increase of three points in their systolic blood pressure reading. On the other hand, participants who were stressed out at work, but reported marital bliss, were more likely to have dropped their systolic reading by three points.

Chronic stress can create inflammation in the body, caused by stress hormones. It appears that the comfort of a loving and non-stressful relationship at home can reverse that trend, despite having a stressful job. But when work and home are filled with stress or tension, it apparently can affect a person's health.

So if you find yourself stressed out at every turn, keep an eye on that blood pressure. Interested in reading more? Here are a couple of articles that may help you reduce stress at home or at work.

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