In what is considered the largest study of its kind, researchers from Flinders University in Australia found that middle-aged, overweight men who regularly snore are more likely to suffer from uncontrolled high blood pressure, especially when snoring is accompanied by sleep apnea—a condition marked by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.
Frequent nighttime snoring might be more than just a noisy habit—it could be an early warning sign of serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, which in turn raises the risk of heart failure, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
The study utilized in-home sleep monitoring to collect precise nighttime data. According to lead researcher Bastien Lichat, “For the first time, we can objectively confirm a strong association between regular snoring and high blood pressure.”
Lichat noted that around 15% of the study participants—mainly obese men—snored for more than 20% of their sleep time, which was directly linked to a heightened risk of developing hard-to-control hypertension.
The findings suggest that snoring should no longer be dismissed as a minor nuisance. “It must be recognized as a legitimate health risk factor,” Lichat emphasized, “and included in assessments related to heart disease and blood pressure management.”
Professor Danny Eckert, director of the Sleep Research Centre at Flinders University and co-author of the study, reinforced this message. He pointed out that the risk doubles when snoring is coupled with sleep apnea.
“Regular snorers were twice as likely to suffer from uncontrolled hypertension,” said Eckert, “and the risk surged when sleep apnea was present.”
Why It Matters
High blood pressure is a major contributor to heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. This research highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of snoring, especially in at-risk populations.
Healthcare professionals are now encouraged to monitor snoring patterns as part of preventive care, as addressing this common symptom could significantly reduce long-term health complications.
