The Link Between Hypertension, Sleep Problems, and the Risks of Sleeping Pills
If left untreated, hypertension (high blood pressure) can lead to serious and even life-threatening health complications. Statistics show that approximately 50% of untreated hypertension cases result in coronary heart disease, 33% in stroke, and 10–15% in kidney failure.
Hypertension is becoming increasingly common worldwide, and growing evidence suggests a connection between this condition and sleep disturbances. Many people living with high blood pressure report difficulty sleeping and often turn to sleeping pills for relief.
The Prevalence and Impact of Sleeping Pills
Sleeping pills—particularly benzodiazepines—are among the most widely used medications for managing insomnia and other sleep disorders. However, their widespread use has raised concern.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued warnings about the potential adverse effects of frequent or long-term sleeping pill use. According to the WHO, individuals taking up to 18 doses of sleeping pills per year may face a 3.5 times higher risk of early death. This risk increases significantly with higher dosages or prolonged use.
Additionally, the WHO points out that sleeping pills can elevate blood pressure, posing a particular risk for individuals already diagnosed with hypertension. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that anyone using these medications regularly should have frequent medical checkups to monitor their blood pressure.
Sleep Issues May Signal Hypertension
Studies have also shown that sleep problems may be an early indicator of high blood pressure. One study conducted in China found a strong association between insomnia and hypertension, suggesting that sleep disturbances should not be ignored.
Research on Sleep and High Blood Pressure
The Institute of Fundamental Brain Research in Cuba carried out a study involving 206 patients diagnosed with hypertension. The findings were striking:
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81.07% of participants reported sleep-related issues
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Only 18.9% of those surveyed said they slept without difficulty
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The most common problems reported were insomnia and snoring, each affecting 57.7% of participants
These findings reinforce the idea that managing hypertension effectively includes addressing underlying sleep disturbances and carefully evaluating the use of sleep medications.
