By THAMIZHARASAN SAMPATH
Blood pressure typically decreases, or dips, during the night, according to a natural sleep-wake cycle called the circadian rhythm.
During the day, a person’s blood pressure should not be higher than 120/80mmHgTrusted Source. 120 refers to the systolic, or upper number, and 80 to the diastolic, or lower number. At night time, elevated blood pressure may exceed 110/65mmHgTrusted Source.
Elevated nocturnal blood pressure may contribute to many of the same complications as high blood pressure in general, such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.
This article looks at the symptoms, causes, and risk factors of nocturnal hypertension, as well as the diagnosis of the condition. It also discusses treatment, prevention, and the outlook for nocturnal hypertension.
People sometimes refer to high blood pressure, or hypertension, as a silent killer. This is because, in most casesTrusted Source, people do not experience any symptoms of the condition.
People with nocturnal hypertension may experience some disruptions to sleep, which can include:Trusted Source
- sleep disturbances
- nocturia, or frequently waking with the need to urinate
- sleep apnea
- difficulty breathing, which may cause gasping or snoring
Causes
Medical Updates: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, high blood pressure can develop over time or can be the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices. People with general hypertension may also experienceTrusted Source nocturnal hypertension.
Typically, blood pressure decreases by 10–20%Trusted Source during the night, as it follows the natural circadian rhythm.
In people with hypertension, the blood pressure does not always decrease as far as it should, and in some cases, it increases.
Risk factors
Researchers associateTrusted Source various conditions with nocturnal hypertension. These may include:
- hypertension
- nocturia
- obstructive sleep apnea
- a sedentary lifestyle
- lack of adequate sleep
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- high salt intake
- stress
How do doctors diagnose nocturnal hypertension?
It can be difficult for doctors to diagnose nocturnal blood pressure because the condition typically occurs in a person’s home while they are sleeping.
A person is also not able to wake in the night and measure their blood pressure, as the readings may change when the person wakes.
To obtain a diagnosis of nocturnal hypertension, a person may needTrusted Source to wear an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring cuff overnight. This tests and monitors blood pressure intermittently and can provide an accurate pattern of a person’s blood pressure.
How to treat nocturnal hypertension
The treatment for nocturnal hypertension is similar to that of hypertension in general.
Doctors may recommendTrusted Source lifestyle changes, such as reducing sodium intake, to lower blood pressure levels.
They may also suggest antihypertensive medications or medication to treat conditions associated with hypertension, such as sleep apnea or diabetes.
Medication may includeTrusted Source:
- beta-blockers, which block adrenaline to lower stress on the heart
- diuretics to help the body get rid of excess salt
- calcium-channel blockers to increase oxygen and blood flow to the heart
- vasodilators, which widen blood vessels to increase oxygen and blood flow in the body
- angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which stop the body from producing the hormone Angiotensin II
However, to treat nocturnal hypertension, a doctor may recommend that a person takes their medication later than usual or takes further doses during the night.
Preventing nocturnal hypertension
To help prevent high blood pressure in general, the CDCTrusted Source recommends:
- Eating a healthy diet: A person may benefit from following the DASH diet, which is rich in magnesium, protein, fiber, calcium, and potassium and low in sodium.
- Being physically active: Adults should engage in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes per week.
- Getting enough good quality sleep: Lack of quality sleep can contribute to hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
- Avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol can increase a person’s blood pressure.
- Stopping smoking: Smoking raises a person’s blood pressure and increases their risk of heart attack, stroke, and other illnesses.
