{"id":443093,"date":"2025-05-10T09:26:44","date_gmt":"2025-05-10T09:26:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/health.theemtspot.com\/?p=443093"},"modified":"2026-04-11T19:52:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T19:52:40","slug":"snoring-linked-to-uncontrolled-high-blood-pressure-largest-study-reveals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theemtspot.com\/health\/snoring-linked-to-uncontrolled-high-blood-pressure-largest-study-reveals\/","title":{"rendered":"Snoring Linked to Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure, Largest Study Reveals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A new large-scale clinical study has found that regular night-time snoring may be a warning sign of elevated blood pressure and undiagnosed hypertension<\/strong>, particularly in overweight middle-aged men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the first study of its kind to use continuous, at-home sleep tracking technology over multiple nights<\/strong>, providing strong objective evidence of the link between habitual snoring and cardiovascular risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cFor the first time, we can objectively say that there is a significant connection between regular nighttime snoring and high blood pressure,\u201d said Dr. Bastien Lechat, lead author and researcher at the College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University. \u201cWe found that 15 per cent of all participants snored for more than 20 per cent of the night on average, and this regular nightly snoring is associated with elevated blood pressure and uncontrolled hypertension.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The research was conducted by Flinders University\u2019s sleep health team<\/strong> and published in Nature Digital Medicine<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using a combination of under-mattress sleep sensors and FDA-registered home blood pressure monitors<\/strong>, researchers monitored over 12,000 individuals globally over a nine-month period<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snoring was measured against total sleep duration, while blood pressure was tracked for both controlled and uncontrolled cases of hypertension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snoring Doubles the Risk of Uncontrolled Hypertension<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Results showed that individuals who snored regularly had nearly double the risk of having uncontrolled hypertension compared to non-snorers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That risk nearly doubled again for participants who both snored and had sleep apnoea<\/strong>, a disorder where breathing stops intermittently during sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWe observed that in those who snore regularly the risk of having uncontrolled hypertension was almost double,\u201d said Professor Danny Eckert, Director of Sleep Health at Flinders University and senior author of the study.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThis risk almost doubled again in people who snored regularly and had sleep apnoea versus those who did not snore regularly.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

These findings highlight snoring not just as a nuisance or sleep quality issue<\/strong>, but as a potential cardiovascular risk marker<\/strong> that should not be ignored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The connection between snoring and hypertension lies in the fragmented, low-quality sleep caused by airway obstruction<\/strong>, which can trigger sustained physiological stress responses overnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over time, this contributes to the development of persistent high blood pressure<\/strong>, which significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney damage, and cognitive decline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snoring and Sleep Apnoea \u2013 Overlapping but Distinct Threats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While snoring and sleep apnoea frequently co-occur<\/strong>, the study\u2019s authors emphasize that even isolated snoring<\/strong> can serve as a red flag for clinicians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The research presents compelling evidence that snoring alone\u2014without apnoea\u2014still carries a heightened risk of hypertension<\/strong>, warranting early clinical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This builds on existing literature linking poor sleep quality with systemic inflammation<\/strong>, insulin resistance, and elevated nighttime blood pressure spikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study confirms that snoring should be recognized as a modifiable risk factor<\/strong> in both primary care and cardiology contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Identify and Address Nighttime Snoring as a Health Concern<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you or a partner notice frequent, loud snoring accompanied by tiredness, morning headaches, or choking during sleep<\/strong>, these may indicate an underlying issue requiring further investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Healthcare professionals can refer patients for a home sleep study or polysomnography<\/strong>, which helps confirm the presence of sleep-disordered breathing patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThese 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,\u201d added Dr. Lechat.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

What You Can Do: NHS Snoring and Sleep Health Advice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The UK NHS provides actionable recommendations<\/strong> for people looking to reduce snoring episodes and improve sleep health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do this to reduce snoring risk:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Try to lose weight if overweight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Sleep on your side using a wedge or posture pillow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Encourage your partner to wear earplugs if snoring is disruptive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Avoid the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • Do not smoke.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Avoid excessive alcohol.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Do not take sleeping pills, as they can relax airway muscles and worsen snoring.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      In cases of suspected sleep apnoea or persistent snoring, patients are advised to consult their GP or a sleep specialist<\/strong> to explore therapeutic interventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      \u201cThe 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,\u201d Dr. Lechat concluded.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

      Conclusion: Snoring Is a Clinically Relevant Warning Sign for Hypertension<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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