Impact of Daily Rest Period on Resting Blood Pressure and Fatigue

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the effects of the daily rest period (DRP) on resting blood pressure (BP) and fatigue and determine the optimal DRP for daytime workers. METHODS: Fifty-four daytime employees participated in a 1-month observational study. BP was measured thrice at the workplace. Employees underwent a pre- and post-survey to determine the usual DRP and assess subjective health outcomes. To determine the optimal DRP, DRP criteria were set as 11, 12, 13, and 14 hours. RESULTS: Workers with a shorter DRP had high diastolic BP and fatigue. Diastolic BP was higher in the short group than in the long group for the 14-hour DRP criteria alone. CONCLUSIONS: Shorter DRP was associated with high diastolic BP. We recommend a longer DRP (≥14 hours) for improving workers' cardiovascular health.