Sleep and hypertension

Hypertension is a global public issue, and sleep status was regarded as its risk factor; however, the results were inconsistent. This study aims to deeply investigate the correlation between sleep status and hypertension.

The electronic databases Cochrane Library, Pubmed, and Embase updated to May 31, 2019, were retrieved. Studies were selected according to the predefined screening criteria, and their qualities were assessed by using quality check scales. Based on Stata 15.1 software, the associations between sleep status and hypertension were analyzed by meta-analyses, using odds ratio and 95% confidence interval as effect indexes. Furthermore, publication bias and small study bias were evaluated using Begg and Egger's test. In addition, sensitivity analysis was conducted through ignoring one study per time and then observing its influences on the pooled results.

A total of 54 studies (involving 1,074,207 subjects) were eligible for this meta-analysis. Six factors were included in this study. Raised blood pressure was associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), short sleep duration, and long sleep duration. The differences in ≤ 5 h, 6 h, ≥ 9 h, and 10 h groups had statistical significances, while there was no significant difference in ≥ 8 h group. Snoring is a risk factor of hypertension (OR = 1.94, 95%CI 1.41-2.67). Subgroup analysis was conducted and results were varied.

The hypertension risk might be reduced by treated OSA, ODI, and snoring, as well as appropriate sleep duration. More studies with large sample sizes and high qualities should be included to support the findings further.