India, July 6 -- Hypertension (high blood pressure) and sleep apnea are two common but serious health conditions that often occur together. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most prevalent form, causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can lead to poor oxygen flow, causing the body to react by increasing blood pressure, especially at night. Over time, this repeated strain on the cardiovascular system contributes to persistent hypertension, even during waking hours. Studies show that up to 50% of people with sleep apnea also suffer from high blood pressure. The risk is even greater in those with resistant hypertension, where blood pressure remains elevated despite taking multiple medications. Sleep apnea disrupts the natural sleep cycle, preventing the deep, restorative sleep the body needs. This disruption can also increase levels of stress hormones like cortisol, which further elevate blood pressure. Left untreated, both conditions raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious complications. Fortunately, treatment of sleep apnea can improve blood pressure control. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, the standard treatment for OSA, helps keep the airway open during sleep and can significantly lower nighttime and daytime blood pressure. Awareness is crucial; if you snore loudly, feel fatigued during the day, or have uncontrolled blood pressure, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea can improve both sleep quality and control of blood pressure. The author of this article is an MBBS, DNB, DM Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (PGIMER Chandigarh); FCCP; consultant pulmonologist, Jindal Clinics, Centre for Interventional Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, SCO 21, Sector 20-D, Chandigarh...