The effects of divorce are well-known: Finances, housing, and possessions get split, families learn how to spend time apart, holidays get divided, etc.
However, a recent study done by the University of Arizona shows that there could be some fairly serious health effects for some people as well.
It is undeniable that going through a divorce is a stressful time, even if the entire thing is cooperative and peaceful, so there will be a certain level of sleeplessness expected. However, according to the study, if sleeplessness lasts for as much as a month or two after the initial separation, it is worth following up on with a doctor. Especially since the sleeplessness could be a manifestation of a serious increase in blood pressure known as hypertension.
David Sbarra, associate professor of psychology at University of Arizona, said that during the course of the study, they “saw changes in resting blood pressure were associated with sleep problems three months earlier. Earlier sleep problems predicted increases in resting blood pressure over time.”
If you are currently undergoing a divorce, it is important to not get caught up in the moment. It is easy to focus on the major life change you’re facing and let it get to you, but it’s important to remember that something negative happened that brought you to where you are today, and the divorce process is the tool you use to fix that issue and get on with the rest of your life.
Source: http://www.thehealthsite.com/news/divorce-can-give-you-hypertension/