The combination of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of hypertension.
The combination of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea can significantly increase the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. This conclusion was reached by researchers from Yale University after analyzing data from nearly one million people. The study was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA).
The scientists examined a condition in which a person simultaneously experiences difficulties falling asleep and frequent breathing interruptions during sleep. It was found that this combination is associated with a higher risk of heart disease compared to each disorder individually. According to the authors, these disorders do not merely coexist but amplify each other's negative effects.
With chronic sleep disruption, the cardiovascular system lacks time for recovery. Frequent awakenings, reduced sleep duration, and episodes of oxygen deprivation create additional stress on the vessels and myocardium, gradually increasing the likelihood of developing hypertension and other diseases.
The researchers emphasize that sleep should be regarded as a modifiable risk factor—on par with cholesterol levels or blood pressure. Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of insomnia and apnea can play a crucial role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
