Impact of Daily Rest Period on Resting Blood Pressure and Fatigue: A One-Month Observational Study of Daytime Employees

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.