Does Sleep Apnea Affect Blood Pressure?

man wearing a sleep apnea mask
Do you snore at night? Do you feel excessively tired during the day? These symptoms could indicate that you have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people in the United States and is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. It can lead to a number of health problems, including high blood pressure. In this article, we will explore the relationship between sleep apnea and high blood pressure. We will also discuss how sleep apnea is treated and what you can do to lower your blood pressure if you suffer from sleep apnea.

Share This Post

Sleep Apnea 101 | Symptoms | Complications | Sleep Apnea and High Blood Pressure | Treatment

Do you snore at night? Do you feel excessively tired during the day?

These symptoms could indicate that you have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people in the United States and is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep.

It can lead to a number of health problems, including high blood pressure.

In this article, we will explore the relationship between sleep apnea and high blood pressure.

We will also discuss how sleep apnea is treated and what you can do to lower your blood pressure if you suffer from sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep.

This can happen multiple times during sleep, which means you may not get the deep sleep you need.

The reason this happens is that the airway becomes blocked, usually because of enlarged tissues in the throat. This is called obstructive sleep apnea or OSA.

You can also stop breathing in your sleep due to your brain failing to send signals to your muscles to breathe, a form of sleep apnea called central sleep apnea or CSA.

It is also possible to suffer from both, which is called mixed sleep apnea (MSA), or complex sleep apnea.

All three types of sleep apnea can result in a number of problems, including sleepiness during the day, elevated blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases.

Some people are more at risk than others for sleep apnea.

The risk factors that can increase the likelihood of sleep apnea include:

These are some of the most common risk factors, but there are others too.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

The most common symptom of sleep apnea is snoring.

If you or your partner have noticed that you snore loudly especially when you sleep on your back, this could be a sign of sleep apnea. Other symptoms can include:

  • Feeling very tired during the day, with a condition called excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or hypersomnia
  • Breathing pauses or gasping and choking during sleep
  • Having a dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up
  • Morning headaches
  • Difficulty staying asleep which is also known as insomnia
  • Trouble focusing while awake

What are some of the complications of sleep apnea?

Besides snoring so loudly you wake your bed partner or the people you live with, there are some serious complications that can arise from untreated sleep apnea. The complications of sleep apnea include:

Heart problems

Sleep apnea can cause heart problems by making the heart work harder than it should.

This is because sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and increased stress on the cardiovascular system.

When you have sleep apnea, your body is constantly trying to increase your blood oxygen levels. This extra work can lead to health problems over time and cardiovascular risk including heart attack, heart disease, and stroke.

Type II diabetes

People with sleep apnea are at an increased risk of developing type II diabetes.

This is because sleep apnea can cause insulin resistance and inflammation.

Both of these conditions are known to contribute to the development of type II diabetes. 

Depression

Sleep apnea has been linked with depression. It is not clear if sleep apnea causes depression or if people who are depressed are more likely to develop sleep apnea.

However, it is clear there is a link between the two conditions.

Need to see a sleep specialist 😴 🩺 in your zip code TODAY? Here is our recommendation:

Find Sleep Doctors in your Zip code that take your insurance with ZOCDOC.

>>>> Click here and see a sleep doctor TODAY. <<<<

Pros: ✅Takes Insurance, ✅Finds Available appointments today for in person or Telehealth, ✅User Friendly, ✅ Prescriptions Available

Cons: 🚫 Some geographical limitations (but always worth to search and check)

CLICK 👉 START YOUR SEARCH TODAY.

Obesity

People who are obese are more likely to develop sleep apnea. This is because obesity can cause the tissues in the throat to become enlarged and obstruct the airway.

Memory problems

Sleep apnea has been linked with memory problems.

During episodes of sleep apnea, there is a lack of oxygen to the brain which can lead to damage in the areas of the brain responsible for memory.

Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a condition that includes a number of risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, obesity, and insulin resistance.

People with sleep apnea are more likely to have metabolic syndrome than people who do not have sleep apnea.

Vehicular accidents

People with sleep apnea are more likely to have vehicular accidents than people who do not have sleep apnea.

This is because sleep apnea can cause sleepiness and drowsiness during the day.

From around the web: Does Sleep apnea affect blood pressure

Reddit: Sleep apnea and blood pressure

Reddit – Sleep apnea and hypertension

Does sleep apnea affect blood pressure?

Sleep apnea can raise your blood pressure, a condition also known as hypertension.

High blood pressure occurs when the pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries is too high.

This can damage the arteries and lead to health problems such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

When you have sleep apnea, your body is constantly trying to get more oxygen.

After you go to sleep, your blood pressure typically falls between 10-20% and this is called blood pressure dipping.

Those with sleep apnea may see their blood pressure dip less than 10% and this is called nondipping.

If you have nondipping blood pressure you are at an increased risk for cardiovascular problems and this extra work can lead to other health problems over time, including high blood pressure.

Recommend Products for Sleep Apnea

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
60 Day Money Back Guarantee
AIRSNOREâ„¢ MOUTHPIECE

AIRSNOREâ„¢ MOUTHPIECE

It’s very simple. The AirSnore™ mouthpiece moulds itself to the inside of your mouth, ensuring a comfortable fit that’s just right for you.  Once in place, it moves your jaw a little to open your upper airway. This allows you to breathe more easily while you sleep, and stops you snoring.

Peace at last for anyone around you and a deep and refreshing sleep for you too.

Starting at $49.95
 


 
 

Buy Mouthguard
Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow, Contour Pillows for Neck and Shoulder Pain, Ergonomic Orthopedic Sleeping Neck Contoured Support Pillow for Side Sleepers, Back and Stomach Sleepers (White)

Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow, Contour Pillows for Neck and Shoulder Pain, Ergonomic Orthopedic Sleeping Neck Contoured Support Pillow for Side Sleepers, Back and Stomach Sleepers (White)

  • 🌙REDUCE NECK & BACK PAIN: Proven contour design perfectly supports and aligns your head, neck, shoulder, and back. The slope keeps your head from rolling out of a stable position. Bringing a reduction of stress in the cervical vertebra and spine. Improving sleep and relieving neck and shoulder pain, discomfort rejuvenating your body.THIS PRODUCT IS NOT A MEDICAL PRODUCT. IF YOU NEED TO USE IT FOR REHABILITATION, PLEASE ASK YOUR DOCTOR FOR ADVICE.
  • 🌙ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Elviros contour pillows are well designed to support by following the natural curve of your body keeps air passages optimal for less snoring and more restful sleep. The cutouts on the side give your top arm a place to rest and keep it at an angle so your shoulder is not hunching over in front of you.
  • 🌙TWO HEIGHTS---DESIGNED FOR BACK & SIDE SLEEPING: SIZE 64*(12.5/10.5)*38cm/25.2 x (4.1/4.9)*15inch (L*H*W), Back sleepers with cervical issues can sleep on the higher side (4.9inch) of the pillow with 2 horns as this side provides better support for the head and cervical, so as to keeps your neck properly aligned with the rest of your body. All the other back/side sleepers can sleep on the lower side (4.1inch).
  • 🌙100% PREMIUM MEMORY FOAM PILLOW: Elviros ergonomic sleeping pillow core is made of high- density slow rebound memory foam. That will provide sleeping firm support with amazing comfort and softness. Keeps its shape and firmness for long term use. THE MEMORY FOAM ITSELF WILL HAVE A VERY LIGHT SMELL, IF YOU ARE UNACCEPTABLE, PLEASE VENTILABLE IT FOR 3-5 DAYS.
  • 🌙REMOVABLE BREATHABLE PILLOWCASE: A breathable surface lets air circulate to keep the pillow cool while you sleep.
  • 🌙NOTE: If you feel uncomfortable during using our cervical pillow, want to return. please contact our customer services in time, and proceed with the return and exchange under the guidance of the customer services.
  • 🌙NOTE: THE PACKAGE BOX YOU RECEIVE WILL BE WRAPPED WITH TAPE AT THE SEAL, WHICH IS NOT USED PRODUCTS, BUT ADDED FOR BETTER FIXING AND ENSURING THE INTEGRITY OF THE PRODUCTS INSIDE.
  • 🌙INSTRUCTIONS: Before first use, unzip and remove the lid and leave the memory foam flat in a well-ventilated area for 1 to 24 hours until it fully expands.
  • 🌙SUITABLE FOR ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE: This neck support pillow is very suitable for elders, office workers, teachers, and those who suffer from sleep disorders. If you have chronic cervical spondylosis, the delicate neck support pillow will be the optimum choice for providing comfortable sleep and relieving the pain of the cervical vertebra.
Buy Pillow
EMAY Sleep Oxygen Monitor with App for iPhone & Android | Track Overnight & Continuous Blood Oxygen Saturation Level & Heart Rate with Professional Report | Memory Stores Data Up to 40 Hours

EMAY Sleep Oxygen Monitor with App for iPhone & Android | Track Overnight & Continuous Blood Oxygen Saturation Level & Heart Rate with Professional Report | Memory Stores Data Up to 40 Hours

  • Built in Memory: With a 40 hours built-in memory, EMAY Sleep Oxygen Monitor allows you to store overnight and continuous blood oxygen saturaiton levels & heart rate during sleep or other ocassions.
  • Record First, Sync Later: Does not require real-time connection to smartphone. Wear it to record, take it off to sync later whenever you want.
  • Free iOS/Android App: 1. Review historical & granular data second by second; 2. Sleep report with detailed analysis & trends of your overnight blood oxygen and heart rate; 3. Export CSV file of data list for further analysis or sharing.
  • Accurate & Reliable: Accurately display the readings on a large & rotating digital LCD screen, and store your data second by second without interval simultaneously.
  • We're here for you: Our California based team is happy to assist you with whatever questions and support you may need within 24 hours. Intended for sport and aviation use only, not for medical use.
Buy Sleep Apnea Device
OLLY Sleep Gummy, Occasional Sleep Support, 3 mg Melatonin, L-Theanine, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Sleep Aid, Blackberry - 60 Count

OLLY Sleep Gummy, Occasional Sleep Support, 3 mg Melatonin, L-Theanine, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Sleep Aid, Blackberry - 60 Count

  • OLLY SLEEP GUMMIES: Our Melatonin gummies, with L-Theanine and Botanicals, works with your body to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
  • THE GOODS INSIDE: Effective sleep blend features 3mg of Melatonin, this sleepy time superstar ingredient works with your body to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. L-Theanine supports calmness and Botanicals like Chamomile, Passionflower & Lemon Balm to help soothe and relax
  • HOW TO TAKE: Chew two gummies 30 minutes before bed, no food or water needed
  • NATURALLY DELICIOUS: Sleep gummies come in naturally flavored Blackberry Zen with a fresh hint of mint—no artificial colors or flavors and are gluten free. These adult gummies are packed with a unique blend of drug-free, non-habit forming ingredients
  • LESS PLASTIC, MORE GUMMIES: This 1-month supply comes in a handy child-resistant pouch—you get more of the gummies you love using less plastic. Perfect as a starter or as a refill for your empty OLLY bottle
  • MORE OLLY GOODNESS: We create products that are just as effective as they are delicious—gummies, multivitamins, premium softgels and more ways to feel happy inside out
  • SHIPS WITH A COLD PACK: Gummies can melt in the heat. To prevent this, we ship them with a handy little cold pack May-September (woot!). Track your delivery so it's not left outside for too long and keep it out of direct sunlight
  • Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting of product. Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery
Buy Sleep Gummies
VitalSleep Anti-Snoring Mouthpiece, Adjustable Jaw Positioning, Custom Teeth Impressions, USA Made & FDA Cleared Snore Solution Mouth Guard (Standard Size)

VitalSleep Anti-Snoring Mouthpiece, Adjustable Jaw Positioning, Custom Teeth Impressions, USA Made & FDA Cleared Snore Solution Mouth Guard (Standard Size)

  • STOPS SNORING AT THE SOURCE: Sleep soundly through the night with our proven snore solution. The USA-made VitalSleep anti-snoring device opens your airway and reduces the sound of snoring by gently holding the jaw and tongue forward. Unlike other devices, this anti-snoring mouthpiece molds to your teeth for a personalized and comfortable fit. VitalSleep is for the reduction of snoring and not for other sleep disorders.
  • COSTS LESS THAN COUPLES THERAPY: Waking up in the middle of the night due to snoring has the effect of disrupting your sleep pattern and disturbing your bed partner. Treat yourself to a full night’s rest and a pleasant morning with our mouthpiece for snoring. Our snoring product makes quiet sleep an achievable relationship goal. This is our standard size recommended for men.
  • PATENTED ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM: The VitalSleep mandibular advancement device features an adjustable lower tray that allows you to advance the jaw up to 8mm to open the airway based on the severity of snoring. Custom teeth impressions provide a comfortable fit using an easy boil-and-bite fitting process to ensure a restful, snore-free night of sleep. VitalSleep may not fit all user's mouths.
  • 60-NIGHT GUARANTEE: We are confident our American made snoring device will improve your sleep, and offer a satisfaction guarantee including a 1-year warranty. We want you to experience the best sleep possible. VitalSleep fits most users however in some cases it may not be suitable for a user.
  • FDA-CLEARED: This innovative anti-snoring mouthpiece is FDA cleared to reduce snoring. The patented device is made of hypoallergenic medical-grade materials. It's also BPA and latex-free. Breathe easily and quietly throughout the night and wake up feeling rested and ready to take on the day.
Buy Snoring Device

How is high blood pressure caused by sleep apnea?

When you don’t sleep properly there is an extra strain on your heart and allows your sympathetic nervous system to go into overdrive.

The sympathetic nervous system produces responses to your “fight or flight” instinct and leads to higher blood pressure, increased heart rate, and the dilation of your pupils.

Every time you stop breathing because of sleep apnea your body produces more of these reactions which can also lead to you waking up, which only further exacerbates the problem by causing your sympathetic nervous system to produce even more of these responses.

Can treating sleep apnea help my blood pressure?

Yes, treating sleep apnea can help lower your blood pressure. By treating sleep apnea, you are able to get more restful sleep which can help reduce the stress on your body.

In addition, treating sleep apnea can help improve your overall health and reduce your risk of developing other health problems such as heart disease and stroke.

What are the common treatments for sleep apnea?

There are a number of different treatments for sleep apnea. Typically, to be diagnosed with sleep apnea your doctor or sleep specialist will have to do a sleep study in a sleep lab.

If it is determined that you suffer from sleep apnea there are several treatment options available to you.

Some common treatments include:

CPAP or other airway machines

CPAP stands for constant positive airway pressure and is a machine that produces an airflow that helps open up your airways as you sleep.

These machines are the most common form of treatment for sleep apnea. It gives you this air through a mask that you wear while you sleep.

There are other air pressure machines used for sleep apnea including BiPAP, or bilevel positive airway pressure which means there is a different pressure when you breathe in or out, and APAP, or automatic positive airway pressure which adjusts the air pressure to how hard you are breathing.

Oral appliances

Oral appliances are devices that you wear in your mouth that help keep your airway open.

They do this by pushing your jaw and tongue forward.

Surgery

There are a number of different surgeries that can be done to help treat sleep apnea.

You might have surgery to remove the tonsils, adenoids, or excess soft tissue in the throat and nose. There is also a surgery to tighten the muscles in your airway.

Weight loss

If you are overweight, losing weight can help improve sleep apnea.

This is because when you lose weight, it reduces the amount of extra tissue around the back of your throat which can help to open up your airways.

Nerve stimulators

Nerve stimulators, such as the Inspire device, are small implants that are put in your chest.

These stimulators send a signal to your brain that helps keep your airway open as you sleep.

Other lifestyle changes

There are also a number of lifestyle changes that can help improve sleep apnea such as avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine before bed, sleeping on your side instead of your back, and eating healthy meals to help with weight loss.

If you think you may have sleep apnea, it is important to speak with your doctor. Your doctor can help determine if sleep apnea is the cause of your high blood pressure and recommend the best treatment for you.

Summary

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can cause high blood pressure. When you don’t sleep properly, this puts extra strain on your heart and causes your sympathetic nervous system to go into overdrive.

This leads to higher blood pressure, increased heart rate, and dilated pupils.

By treating sleep apnea, you are able to get more restful sleep which can help reduce the stress on your body.

In addition, treating sleep apnea can help improve your overall health and reduce your risk of developing other health problems.

There are a number of different treatments for sleep apnea, including CPAP therapy, oral appliances, surgery, and weight loss.

If you think you may have sleep apnea, it is important to speak with your doctor, sleep specialist, or healthcare provider to determine if sleep apnea is the cause of your high blood pressure and recommend the best treatment for you.

References and Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5836734/

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapnea/

medically reviewed and fact checked

Share This Post

Sesame Care

Find the best price for great doctors and specialists

  • Thousands of doctors and specialists
  • $13,000,000+ saved by patients
  • 95% patient satisfaction
  • 4.3 on TrustPilot
     

Popular Destinations

Health

Medication

Telehealth Reviews

Shop

Pharmacist Membership

About Us

Pharmacy Near Me

Recent Articles

Leesa Reviews: Will Their Mattress Help You Sleep Better?

Leesa’s mattresses are budget-friendly and use high-quality memory foam. But read on to learn if these mattresses are better left forgotten.


We review and include products we think are useful for our community. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission. For more info, please read our ad policy, content principles and vetting policy.

Read More »

5 Best Pillows for Sleep Apnea: How to Treat Sleep Apnea at Home

If you suffer from sleep apnea you know how disruptive the condition can be. Not only can sleep apnea lead to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue, but it can also increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Luckily, there are a number of things that you can do to help treat sleep apnea at home, including using a pillow to help with your sleep apnea. In this article, we will discuss what sleep apnea is, the symptoms of sleep apnea, how pillows help treat sleep apnea, and the five best pillows for sleep apnea. 

Read More »

Share On:

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get updates and learn from the best

More To Explore

Zolpidem: What is Zolpidem? Uses, Costs, Benefits, and Doses

In 1992, a blockbuster drug called Ambien was released, offering the first viable insomnia medication since the much-maligned (and frequently outlawed) Halcion. Since then,

Leesa Reviews: Will Their Mattress Help You Sleep Better?

Leesa’s mattresses are budget-friendly and use high-quality memory foam. But read on to learn if these mattresses are better left forgotten.

We review and include

5 Best Pillows for Sleep Apnea: How to Treat Sleep Apnea at Home

If you suffer from sleep apnea you know how disruptive the condition can be. Not only can sleep apnea lead to poor sleep quality

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may be wondering what your treatment options are. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that

Eight Sleep Reviews: Are Their Mattresses Really Top-Notch?

Eight Sleep offers some of the most advanced smart mattresses money can buy; but are they really worth it? Here, we provide an honest

What are the warning signs of sleep apnea?

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night with a dry mouth and feeling like you’ve been running? If so, you

A Look at Insomnia Symptoms

In this article, we will discuss what insomnia is, the causes of insomnia, the symptoms of insomnia, and the treatment options for insomnia. We

Can You Die From Sleep Apnea?

You may know what sleep apnea is, but have you wondered if the condition could be life threatening? Sleep apnea is a serious sleep

Is Sleep Apnea Genetic?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. It is caused by a blockage of the

Sleep Apnea in Infants: What You Need to Know

Sleep apnea in infants is a sleep disorder that affects a baby’s breathing and anyone at any age can suffer from it. It causes

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

If you have been experiencing sleep problems, there is a chance that you might be suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep

Insomnia, COVID-19, and other sleep disorders: What you need to know

In this article, we will discuss the symptoms and treatment options for insomnia as well as how COVID-19 can cause other sleep disorders.

5 Best Anti-Snoring Mouthguards for the Perfect Nights Sleep

If you’re new to the world of snoring mouthguards, then it may all seem a little daunting at first. And, while the anti-snore mouthpiece

Zolpidem Tartrate: What is it and How Much Does it Cost?

Zolpidem tartrate is a sedative or hypnotic non-benzodiazepine GABA-A that is FDA approved for the treatment of insomnia. Zolpidem tartrate is a generic medication,

Alternatives to CPAP Devices for Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from sleep apnea, you may be wondering if there are any alternatives to

What Causes Insomnia?

In this article, we will discuss the causes of insomnia, how to treat it, and some of the best ways to prevent it from

What are the Best Home Remedies to Treat Insomnia?

In this article, we will explore the different home remedies for insomnia while also detailing other treatment options if these home remedies have no

Zolpidem Tartrate: What are the Side Effects?

Zolpidem tartrate is a sedative or hypnotic non-benzodiazepine GABA-A that is FDA approved for the treatment of insomnia. Zolpidem tartrate tablets are a popular

Temazepam: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, and More

Temazepam is a benzodiazepine used to treat insomnia in adults. Side effects of the drug include symptoms like tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, and headache, and

Sleep Apnea in Children: What You Need to Know

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects many people, both adults and children. For children and adults, sleep apnea can cause problems such