THE EFFECT OF BLOOD PRESSURE ON SLEEP APNEA AND RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME: A REVIEW

Abstract

Sleep disorders such as Sleep Apnea and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) are now well known to affect the quality of sleep as well as be related to cardiovascular health, most importantly blood pressure (BP). The present study explores the relationship between blood pressure levels and prevalence and severity of sleep apnea and RLS and seeks to find patterns that can guide early intervention. The results demonstrated a positive correlation between increased blood pressure and sleep apnea severity, with the hypertensive patients having significantly increased apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) values than the normotensive group (p < 0.05). Correspondingly, participants with increased BP also had increased frequency of symptoms suggestive of severe to moderate RLS. The findings indicate that hypertension could play a role in the pathophysiology of the conditions, perhaps through vascular and neurological dysregulation. In conclusion, this research validates the theory that blood pressure affects the expression and severity of sleep apnea and RLS. Appreciation of such a relationship might enable clinicians to maximize treatment modalities in patients with sleep disorders, especially those with underlying hypertension. Future studies must prioritize longitudinal studies and interventional studies to better explain causal mechanisms.