If high blood pressure (hypertension) isn’t treated properly, it can lead to serious health problems. Around 50% of untreated patients may die from heart disease, 33% from strokes, and 10 to 15% from kidney failure. Hypertension is becoming more common every year, and some studies suggest it may be linked to the use of sleeping pills.

The Link Between Hypertension and Sleep Issues

Many people with high blood pressure also struggle with sleep. This has led to an increased use of sleeping pills among hypertensive patients who are trying to get better rest.

The Effects of Sleeping Pills

Sleeping pills are now among the most commonly used medications in the world. Because of this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned about their potential dangers—especially when they’re taken regularly over a long period.

The WHO says that people who take sleeping pills, especially a type called benzodiazepines, face a much higher risk of dying early. Taking as few as 18 doses a year can increase this risk by 3.5 times. The more you take, the higher the risk becomes.

Additionally, sleeping pills can raise blood pressure. That’s why the WHO recommends that people who take them should visit their doctor regularly to keep an eye on their blood pressure.

Sleep Problems May Signal Hypertension

A study from China found that sleep problems—especially insomnia—can be a sign of high blood pressure.

Research from Cuba on Sleep and Hypertension

The Institute of Fundamental Brain Research in Cuba studied sleep habits in 206 people with high blood pressure. Their findings showed that 81% of them had trouble sleeping. Only about 19% said they slept well. The most common sleep issues were insomnia and snoring, both reported by around 57.7% of the patients.