The Hidden Link Between Sleep Apnea and Hypertension—What to Know (2025)

While sleep apnea is relatively common and known for affecting breathing during rest hours, its impact on long-term health is sometimes overlooked. It’s associated with heavy snoring and fatigue, but it can also affect your cardiovascular health by putting extra strain on your heart. This raises an important question: Can sleep apnea cause high blood pressure? We turned to the experts to better understand the link between these two conditions and how treatment can make a significant difference in both your sleep and heart health.

Does sleep apnea cause high blood pressure?

There are two types of sleep apnea, a sleep disorder in which your breathing stops and starts: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central (CSA). Obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs due to upper airway blockage and collapse during sleep, is the most common type, affecting 20 to 26 percent of the population, explains Chelsie Rohrscheib, PhD, head sleep expert and neuroscientist at Wesper.

Conversely, central sleep apnea, which occurs because the brain does not send the body the appropriate respiratory signals while you sleep, is far less common. Central sleep apnea affects less than one percent of the population.

Rohrscheib says that both types of sleep apnea increase the risk of developing high blood pressure (aka hypertension) because both cause long pauses in breathing and drops in blood oxygen levels.

It’s worth noting that sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed, especially in women and people who aren’t overweight, says Hussain Ahmad, MD, a consultant practitioner at Click2Pharmacy. So if something feels off with your sleep or energy levels, don’t ignore it. (Find out how to tell if you have sleep apnea here.)

The link between sleep apnea and high blood pressure

Sleep apnea is a major contributor to hypertension, primarily due to repeated episodes of oxygen deprivation throughout the night. Rohrscheib says these events trigger chronic sympathetic nervous system activation, which increases heart rate and elevates blood pressure over time.

In addition, sleep apnea places significant stress on the cardiovascular system. Why? Frequent drops in oxygen levels and poor sleep quality can harm blood vessel linings, causing them to become stiff and less capable of widening as needed. “This vascular dysfunction contributes further to the development and persistence of high blood pressure,” says Rohrscheib.

If left unmanaged, research suggests sleep apnea could potentially even increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) or a heart attack. (Learn the warning signs of AFib here.)

Already have high blood pressure? Watch for these sleep apnea symptoms

If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension but aren’t sure if you have sleep apnea, too, Andres Moran, co-founder and CEO of Complete Sleep, says to be vigilant for these symptoms:

• Loud, chronic snoring, especially with gasping or choking sounds
• Breathing pauses during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue despite adequate sleep time
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Frequent nighttime urination
• Irritability or mood changes
• Trouble controlling blood pressure despite medication

Can treating sleep apnea help lower blood pressure?

Managing sleep apnea can help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure in people who don’t have it yet. And for those with hypertension, the right sleep apnea treatment may assist in bringing your blood pressure levels down. By improving breathing and oxygen levels during sleep, you’re stopping that constant stress response, explains Dr. Ahmad.

Typically, treatment depends on several factors, including the type, cause, and severity of your sleep apnea. However, Rohrscheib says most individuals with OSA will need to undergo therapy such as using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or an oral appliance to help keep their airways open while they sleep. Lifestyle modifications such as losing weight, quitting smoking and cutting back on caffeine and alcohol may also help.

When to talk to your doctor about sleep and BP symptoms

Since sleep apnea may go unnoticed, it’s essential to speak to your doctor or healthcare professional if you experience any of the symptoms above or if you have high blood pressure that’s difficult to control.

People with high blood pressure should also inquire about having a sleep study since sleep apnea is likely a contributing factor, even if you don’t have significant symptoms. “Uncontrolled sleep apnea is likely to worsen hypertension even if you are on medication to control your blood pressure,” says Rohrscheib.

Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce health risks and improve your overall quality of life.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.