Is There a Connection Between Sleep Apnea and High Blood Pressure?

Did you know that sleep apnea and high blood pressure share a lot in common? Both conditions can lead to serious health problems and can be treated with lifestyle changes and medical intervention.

You know how awful it feels to wake up after a restless night of sleep— you feel sleepy and unfocused all day, and perhaps you even have a headache. But did you know that your poor sleep quality or short sleep duration could also affect your heart health?

The Connection Between Hypertension and Poor Sleep Quality

Many factors can contribute to poor sleep quality, including hypertension or high blood pressure. People with hypertension are more likely to experience sleep problems like insomnia and sleep apnea.

Hypertension can cause sleep problems in several ways. First, the physical symptoms of hypertension, such as headaches, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat, can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Second, hypertension can make breathing difficult, leading to sleep apnea, a condition in which people stop breathing for short periods during sleep. Finally, hypertension can lead to stress and anxiety, which can also interfere with sleep.

Sleep Apnea Can Force Your Heart to Pump Harder

Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. This can force the heart to work harder to pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. An alarming 6.4% (as of a study concluded in 2017) of Canadians have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea by a healthcare professional. This ignores a potentially larger number of people who have the condition but remain undiagnosed.

In some cases, sleep apnea can lead to heart failure. The extra effort required to pump blood can cause the heart muscle to weaken and eventually fail.If you think you might have this problem, visit a sleep apnea clinic in your area that can provide you with the right solution.

Sleep Apnea Triggers Norepinephrine Spikes in Your Body

When your breathing is interrupted during sleep, this can cause norepinephrine spikes in your body, leading to several health problems.

Norepinephrine is a hormone that is released in response to stress. It is responsible for the “fight or flight” response and can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Norepinephrine spikes can be dangerous and lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other health problems.

Two Main Types of Sleep Apnea

There are two main types of sleep apnea, obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea is the more common type and is caused by an airway blockage. Central sleep apnea is less common and is caused by a problem with the brain signals that control breathing.

Sleep apnea can be treated, but it can be complex to manage. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and quitting smoking, and medical devices, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, or an oral appliance. Surgery is also an option for some people.

If you think you may have sleep apnea, you should see a doctor or a sleep specialist for a diagnosis.

Conclusion

It is important to take sleep apnea seriously as it is linked with severe health problems. If you think you may have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. Ignoring sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, and other health problems. This is a problem that should not be taken lightly. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, visit a sleep apnea clinic to be tested and to get proper treatment.

Lethbridge Snoring & Sleep Apnea Clinic is a trusted sleep apnea clinic where you can get the tests and treatments you need to improve your sleep and overall health. Schedule your appointment with us today!