Apr 15, 2025
Understanding Blood Pressure Spikes At Night: Causes, Biomarkers & What To Do
Explore causes and personalized insights for blood pressure spikes at night using advanced testing with Mito Health.
Why It Happens
Nighttime blood pressure spikes are concerning because they often go unnoticed. These spikes may be caused by poor sleep, stress, sleep apnea, or imbalanced cortisol rhythms.
Sleep Apnea: Interrupted breathing during sleep leads to oxygen drops and sharp rises in blood pressure.
High Evening Cortisol: Elevated stress hormone levels can activate your nervous system during sleep hours.
Late-Night Meals: Heavy or salty foods before bed affect overnight fluid and blood pressure regulation.
Poor Sleep Quality: Lack of deep sleep reduces parasympathetic activity that normally lowers blood pressure at night.
Alcohol Use: Drinking can disrupt blood vessel function and prevent nocturnal pressure dips.
How to Manage
Limit Meals Before Bed: Avoid heavy or salty foods within 3 hours of sleep.
Address Sleep Apnea: Talk to your doctor if you snore, gasp, or feel unrested.
Use a Wind-Down Routine: Practice calming habits to lower evening cortisol and prepare your body for rest.
Limit Alcohol and Stimulants: These interfere with blood vessel relaxation and recovery.
Monitor Overnight Patterns: Try a nighttime pressure cuff or wearables to uncover trends.
Nighttime pressure spikes are manageable once you understand and target the root cause.
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