Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University have observed that exercising later in the day can reduce blood pressure more effectively than morning workouts. The team will share their latest findings at the American Physiology Summit held in Long Beach, California, highlighting how time of day interacts with cardiovascular responses during physical activity. The study adds a practical perspective for individuals managing hypertension who are trying to optimize the benefits of exercise alongside medication and lifestyle changes.
The study enrolled 23 older adults diagnosed with hypertension, all of whom had been on prescribed blood pressure medications for at least four months prior to the trial. Participants were asked to complete a structured exercise program three times per week for ten weeks, using a stationary bike. They were randomly assigned to one of two time windows: morning sessions conducted between 7:00 and 10:00, or evening sessions between 17:00 and 20:00. The design aimed to isolate the effect of exercise timing on blood pressure improvements while keeping other variables, such as medication use and overall activity levels, consistent across groups.
Results showed that diastolic blood pressure declined similarly in both groups, indicating that the lower, bottom number in a blood pressure reading benefits from regular aerobic activity regardless of when it occurs. In contrast, systolic blood pressure, the top number, experienced a more pronounced reduction after evening exercise. This pattern suggests that the cardiovascular system might respond differently to exercise depending on the body’s circadian rhythms and blood pressure regulation mechanisms that shift throughout the day.
Experts caution that any physical activity is preferable to inactivity for people with hypertension. However, for those aiming to achieve quicker normalization of blood pressure or who do not perceive improvements from exercise alone, scheduling workouts in the evening could offer an added advantage. The researchers emphasize that the choice of workout time should consider personal preference, daily routine, and how exercise fits with other medical treatments, as adherence often determines long-term success.
Overall, the findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that the timing of aerobic exercise may play a meaningful role in managing hypertension. While more research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and to determine whether these results apply to broader populations, this study supports a practical, flexible approach: stay active, and consider evening sessions as a potentially more effective option for reducing systolic pressure in certain individuals. Supporters of lifestyle medicine may use these insights to tailor plans that integrate physical activity with medication, sleep, stress management, and dietary choices for better long-term cardiovascular health.