Snoring could be a key sign of a major problem (Image: Getty)
The largest study of its kind has revealed that a prevalent nocturnal condition could act as an early indicator of dangerous hypertension, or high blood pressure. The research, carried out by sleep specialists at Flinders University, found that individuals, particularly overweight middle-aged men, who habitually snore at night are at greater risk of elevated blood pressure and uncontrolled hypertension.
This study, published in the Nature Digital Medicine journal, is the first to employ multiple night home-based monitoring technologies over an extended period to examine the connection between snoring and blood pressure.
“For the first time, we can objectively say that there is a significant connection between regular nighttime snoring and high blood pressure,” stated lead author Dr Bastien Lechat from the College of Medicine and Public Health.
“We found that 15 per cent of all participants in the study, who were primarily overweight men, snore for more than 20 per cent of the night on average and that this regular nightly snoring is associated with elevated blood pressure and uncontrolled hypertension,” Dr Lechat added.
NHS simple tips to stop snoring:
sleep on your side – try taping or stitching a tennis ball to the back of your sleepwear, or buy a special pillow or bed wedge to help keep you on your side
consider asking your partner to use earplugs if your snoring affects their sleep
“These results emphasise the significance of considering snoring as a factor in healthcare and treatment for sleep-related issues, especially in the context of managing hypertension.” Snoring is a widespread occurrence whose damaging health consequences are frequently disregarded. Snoring and sleep apnoea – a condition characterised by sudden cessation of breathing during sleep – frequently occur together.
“We observed that in those who snore regularly the risk of having uncontrolled hypertension was almost double. This risk almost doubled again in people who snored regularly and had sleep apnoea versus those who did not snore regularly,” explained Professor Danny Eckert, Director of Sleep Health at Flinders University and the senior author of the study.
Snoring alone could serve as an early warning sign of high blood pressure, as the disrupted sleep it triggers may heighten the risk of developing hypertension. Hypertension, widely known as persistently elevated blood pressure, can result in serious health complications including heart failure, stroke, heart disease, or kidney disease.
The research drew upon data gathered from sleep trackers placed beneath mattresses to measure snoring and sleep apnoea, while also utilising FDA-registered home blood pressure monitors. The study ran for nine months and encompassed more than 12,000 participants across the globe.
NHS advice on things NOT to do if you want to stop snoring:
do not drink too much alcohol
do not take sleeping pills – these can sometimes cause snoring
“This is the largest study to date investigating the potential relationships between snoring, sleep apnoea and hypertension using objective assessments in people’s homes, and it reveals important insights into the potential consequences of snoring on hypertension risk,” Dr Lechat commented.
The results further highlight the significance of factoring snoring into clinical care and the management of sleep disorders, particularly when addressing hypertension treatment.
“The findings of this study pave the way to further investigate whether therapeutic interventions directed toward snoring can reduce hypertension and reduce the risks associated with it,” he added.
Should you experience snoring alongside signs of poor sleep quality, excessive fatigue, or observed breathing difficulties during sleep, it is advisable to raise these concerns with your GP or a specialist who may recommend undergoing a sleep study. For more information from the NHS click here.
