Researchers have found that older men who fall short on restorative sleep have an 80 percent higher risk of developing high blood pressure compared to those who sleep deeply.

The study, published in the journal Hypertension, examined 784 men with an average age of 75. When the study began, in 2003 to 2005, the men did not have high blood pressure. When they returned for a follow-up between 2007 and 2009, 243 had developed high blood pressure.

The researchers then divided the men into four groups, ranging from those with the lowest amount of slow-wave sleep to the highest. Slow-wave sleep is the deepest, most restorative form of sleep. Men who had the least amount of this type of sleep were the most likely to develop high blood pressure.

Past studies have also shown that sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, can cause high blood pressure. So if you find that you are habitually unable to get a good night’s rest, discuss a solution with your doctor. It might just save your life!