Are Snoring and High Blood Pressure Related?
High blood pressure is a condition that leads to very high pressure, caused by the force of blood, against artery walls. There is evidence that suggests that high blood pressure is related to snoring.
Snoring is a very common problem that many people around the world have to deal with. It can be caused by many factors, including allergies and the common cold. We will be discussing the link between high blood pressure and snoring and what you can do in order to lower your blood pressure.
What Is High Blood Pressure And How Does It Cause Harm?
High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. It occurs when the force of our blood pushing against our artery walls is high.
Having high blood pressure increases the workload of the blood vessels and heart. In other words, it means that our bodies are working harder and less efficiently.
Over time, the force exerted by our blood on the arteries causes damage to the artery tissue. The tears that form can cause other health conditions, such as atherosclerosis. If you don’t treat hypertension, your arteries will grow narrower and narrower, increasing the pressure even more.
There are many health concerns that come with high blood pressure, making it very important for us to treat hypertension as soon as we recognize it.
The Link Between Snoring And High Blood Pressure
Your snoring may be caused by something serious. Health experts have claimed that disturbed breathing may be a sign of high blood pressure, especially in middle-aged and older people.
The Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health conducted a study on sleep apnea – a condition in which a person continuously stops and starts breathing during sleep. One of the most common symptoms of this condition is very heavy snoring.
The study included more than six thousand people of different races, backgrounds, and ages. Each person’s sleep pattern, high blood pressure, and breathing was monitored. The results showed that more than half of the test subjects struggled with five episodes of sleep apnea every hour. These people also had very high blood pressure.
The study showed that there is a clear link between snoring and high blood pressure. It is important to note that snoring causes high blood pressure and that high blood pressure does not cause snoring.
With this being said, it might be a good idea to visit your doctor in order to check for hypertension if you struggle with snoring.
How Does Snoring Cause Hypertension?
When we snore, our brain is starved of oxygen. This leads to micro-awakenings, which influences our nervous system. Our brain begins producing adrenaline in response to the stress put on our bodies. The adrenaline causes spasms in our blood vessels, which leads to an increase in blood pressure.
How To Prevent High Blood Pressure And Snoring
As we have stated, there is a link between hypertension and snoring. If you are someone who struggles with snoring, taking action to reduce your blood pressure might be a good idea.
There are many ways in which you can prevent or lower high blood pressure/hypertension.
Eat Healthy And Nutritious Foods
Eating healthy and nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables, is a very good way to lower your blood pressure.
Your diet should include fiber, potassium, and protein. Stay away from foods that have a high salt content, as this will increase your blood pressure.
It is recommended that you discuss a diet plan with your doctor or nutritionist. They will know precisely what you should and shouldn’t eat in order to lower your blood pressure.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
Eating healthy will help you maintain a healthy weight. It is also important that you partake in enough exercise – adults should engage in roughly two and a half hours of physical activity every week. Even low-intensity exercise, such as walking, can have a huge effect on your blood pressure.
Stop Smoking
Smoking raises your blood pressure. It also puts you at a higher risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
Limit Your Alcohol Intake
Drinking too much alcohol can lead to high blood pressure. On average, men should avoid drinking more than two alcoholic beverages a day. Women should not drink more than one alcoholic drink a day.
Get Plenty Of Sleep
Sleeping is very important for your overall health. Not getting enough sleep is commonly linked with high blood pressure and other heart problems.
It is recommended that adults over the age of 40 get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. Younger children should sleep for about 9 to 10 hours. This will not only reduce your blood pressure but also make you feel more awake and alert. Your stress levels will also be reduced, which will have a positive effect on your blood pressure.
Reduce Your Stress Levels
Our blood pressure reflects when we are very stressed. In fact, one of the most common causes of high blood pressure is being way too stressed.
There are plenty of ways in which you can reduce your stress levels. For example, try exercising regularly, practicing relaxation techniques, getting enough rest, and eating healthier.
Conclusion
Hypertension or high blood pressure occurs when the force of our blood pushing against our artery walls is high. It can lead to various health conditions and concerns if left untreated for too long.
There have been various studies that have taken place in order to determine the link between snoring and high blood pressure. The results of these studies have shown that snoring can lead to hypertension due to the adrenaline released by our brains when we snore.
There are plenty of ways in which you can lower your high blood pressure. For example, you could eat healthier while avoiding foods that contain too much salt. Maintain a regular exercise regime that fits in about two and a half hours of physical activity every week. Stop smoking and prevent yourself from drinking too much alcohol. Getting a decent amount of sleep also works wonders for lowering your blood pressure. Lastly, make an effort to reduce your stress levels.
Snoring Devices Australia is dedicated to providing detailed product reviews of anti-snoring devices available in Australia. We also regularly research and publish timely information about snoring and sleep from around the world – to help you and your loved ones achieve a better night’s sleep.
