IMPACT 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 closely linked to both sleep quality and cardiovascular health, particularly blood pressure (BP). This review investigates the relationship between BP levels and the prevalence and severity of these disorders. Findings show a significant positive correlation between elevated BP and increased severity of sleep apnea, with hypertensive patients displaying higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) scores than normotensive individuals (p < 0.05). Similarly, elevated BP was associated with more frequent and severe RLS symptoms. These results suggest that hypertension may contribute to the pathophysiology of both conditions, potentially through vascular and neurological dysregulation. Recognizing this relationship could help clinicians tailor more effective treatment strategies for sleep disorder patients with hypertension. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to clarify causality and guide clinical practice.