A comprehensive study has revealed that a common nighttime habit could serve as an early warning sign for dangerous hypertension or elevated blood pressure. Researchers from Flinders University discovered that individuals, particularly overweight middle-aged men, who snore regularly during the night are more likely to experience heightened blood pressure and uncontrolled hypertension.
Study Details and Findings
The investigation, published in the journal Nature Digital Medicine, is the first to use multiple home-based monitoring systems over an extended period to examine the relationship between snoring and blood pressure. Lead researcher Dr Bastien Lechat from the College of Medicine and Public Health stated, “For the first time, we can objectively say that there is a significant link between regular nighttime snoring and high blood pressure.”
The study found that 15% of participants, primarily overweight men, snore for more than 20% of the night on average. This regular snoring was associated with elevated blood pressure and uncontrolled hypertension. Dr Lechat added, “These results emphasise the importance of considering snoring as a factor in healthcare and treatment for sleep-related issues, particularly in managing hypertension.”
Snoring and Sleep Apnoea
Snoring often accompanies sleep apnoea, a disorder characterised by sudden interruptions in breathing during sleep. Professor Danny Eckert, Director of Sleep Health at Flinders University and senior author of the study, noted, “We found that those who snore regularly had almost double the risk of uncontrolled hypertension. This risk nearly doubled again in individuals who snored regularly and suffered from sleep apnoea compared to those who didn’t snore regularly.”
Impact of Irregular Sleep Patterns
Another study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, examined 72,269 participants aged 40 to 79 from the UK Biobank. It found that greater variation in bedtime and wake-up schedules increases the likelihood of adverse health effects. Principal researcher Jean-Philippe Chaput from the University of Ottawa explained, “We should aim to wake up and go to sleep within 30 minutes of the same time each night and each morning, including weekends. Beyond an hour’s difference each night and each morning means irregular sleep, which can have negative health impacts.”
Health Risks of Hypertension
High blood pressure over extended periods, known as hypertension, can lead to severe medical complications, including cardiac failure, strokes, cardiovascular disease, or renal conditions. Snoring itself may indicate early warning signs of elevated blood pressure, as disrupted rest can increase the likelihood of hypertension developing.
Study Methodology
The investigation used sleep monitoring devices placed under mattresses to track snoring patterns and sleep apnoea, along with FDA-registered home blood pressure measurement equipment. The research spanned nine months and included over 12,000 participants worldwide.
NHS Advice for Snorers
The NHS recommends the following to reduce snoring:
- Try to lose weight if you are overweight.
- Sleep on your side – consider taping or stitching a tennis ball to the back of your sleepwear, or buy a special pillow or bed wedge.
- Ask your partner to use earplugs if your snoring affects their sleep.
What NOT to do:
- Do not smoke.
- Do not consume excessive alcohol.
- Do not take sleeping pills, as these can sometimes cause snoring.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Dr Lechat concluded, “This is the largest study to date investigating the potential relationships between snoring, sleep apnoea and hypertension using objective assessments in people’s homes. The findings pave the way to further investigate whether therapeutic interventions directed toward snoring can reduce hypertension and its associated risks.”
If you experience snoring along with signs of disrupted sleep, persistent tiredness, or witnessed breathing difficulties while asleep, it is recommended to seek advice from your GP or a relevant specialist, who may suggest a sleep study.
