Ask the Doctor: Blood Pressure & Sun Exposure; Insomnia & Heart Disease
Why does the label on my blood pressure medication say I should avoid sun exposure while taking it?
Several types of medications, including some blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and diuretics, can cause “chemical photosensitivi-ty,” which is an enhanced reaction to ultraviolet (UV) light that makes skin extra-sensitive to the sun. If you do spend time in the sun while taking one of these medications, you may experience symptoms such as a severe sunburn, rash, hives, itching, and blistering.
To protect yourself, avoid sun exposure when the sun’s rays are strongest, which typical-ly occurs between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When you are outside, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and reapply it frequently throughout the day. Keeping your skin covered when you are outside also can help. Wear a large hat that shields your head, face, and neck from the sun, and wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt if possible. Also, avoid tanning beds and sun lamps—they can produce the same reactions as direct sunlight. If you follow these recom-mendations, you should be able to prevent a reaction between your medication and UV light.
I started experiencing occasional insomnia after going through menopause. I was diagnosed with coronary artery disease a few months ago, and it seems as if my insomnia has become worse. Could this be related to my heart disease?
There is growing evidence that insomnia (defined as difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep) is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Insomnia also has been linked with hypertension and elevated resting heart rate—two conditions that are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. And, insomnia is believed to contribute to a higher risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases, as well as depression and anxiety.
Women are more likely to have insomnia than men. Insomnia is sometimes linked to a coexisting medical issue, such as chronic pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease, lung disease, and polyuria (the need to urinate frequently).
Many strategies can help with insomnia, including sticking to a sleep schedule, avoiding a heavy meal, caffeine, alcohol, and exercise for at least three hours before bed, limiting daytime naps to no more than 30 minutes, and getting daily exercise. If these strategies aren’t effective, talk with your doctor about the possibility of treatment, such as behavioral therapy (learning to improve your sleep hygiene and environment, relaxation techniques) or medications that may help you sleep. Also, ask your doctor or pharmacist to review medications you are taking to see if your insom-nia could be a side effect.
Meanwhile, exercise caution when driving, walking, or exercising; the fatigue and difficulty concentrating that often result from insomnia raise the risk of accidents and falls.
The post Ask the Doctor: Blood Pressure & Sun Exposure; Insomnia & Heart Disease appeared first on University Health News.
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