The Effect of Sleep on Hypertension Among Adults: Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Sleep is a fundamental physiological process that plays a crucial role in maintaining the functions of the cardiovascular system and hormonal regulation. Adequate sleep enables effective restoration and preserves homeostasis. In contrast, insufficient sleep can lead to sympathetic overactivity, elevated cortisol levels, and impaired blood pressure regulation. Numerous studies have suggested that inadequate sleep duration may increase the risk of developing hypertension, one of the major contributors to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. This study focuses on the effects of sleep on blood pressure levels in adults by systematically compiling and reviewing research studies that examined the relationship between sleep and hypertension from reliable scientific databases from 2015 to January 2025. Studies that measured the impact of sleep duration on blood pressure were selected. The data were then analyzed using Inverse Variance Weighting, and publication bias was assessed.

Results: From 10 research studies including more than one million participants, it was found that good sleep—defined as 7–8 hours per night—was associated with optimal blood pressure levels. Individuals who slept fewer than 6 hours per night had an increased risk of developing hypertension.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that sleeping less than 6 hours per night is associated with a higher risk of hypertension. Promoting healthy sleep practices through lifestyle and behavioral adjustments is therefore an important strategy for preventing hypertension and long-term cardiovascular diseases.