Non-dipping pattern of hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased blood pressure (BP) during the night, even in mild cases.

• Recurrent airway obstructions in OSA lead to hypoxia and elevated carbon dioxide levels, which may raise sympathetic neural activity.
• This increased sympathetic tone could cause blood vessels to constrict, resulting in higher blood pressure.
• Hypertensive patients with OSA may not experience the usual nighttime drop in blood pressure, referred to as the 'non-dipping' pattern.
• Even mild cases of sleep apnea can disrupt normal sleep and contribute to elevated nighttime blood pressure through various mechanisms.
• Effective treatment of sleep apnea may improve blood pressure control and potentially lower cardiovascular risk.

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