Sleep and blood pressure variability: A systematic literature review

Background

Blood pressure variability (BPV) is a prognostic marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Sleep is recognized as a significant risk factor for CVD; however, little is known about the relationship between sleep characteristics and BPV.

Objective

In this systematic review, we aimed to (1) describe methods used to measure BPV and sleep and (2) describe the current evidence in the literature on the association between sleep and BPV.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using the search terms “sleep” AND (“blood pressure variability” OR “ambulatory blood pressure monitor”) in CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases.

Results

Twenty-two studies were included in this systematic review. Sleep was measured using various methods, including polysomnography, actigraphy, sleep diaries, and questionnaires, while BPV was measured over various time intervals using different monitoring devices such as a beat-to-beat blood pressure (BP) monitoring device, a 24-h ambulatory BP monitor, or an automatic upper arm BP monitor. The studies demonstrated mixed results on the associations between sleep parameters (sleep quality, architecture, and duration) and increased BPV.

Conclusions

Although the mechanisms that explain the relationship between sleep and BPV are still unclear, accumulating evidence suggests potential associations between increased BPV with poor sleep quality and longer sleep duration. Given the recent development of sleep and BP monitoring technologies, further research is warranted to assess sleep and BPV under free-living conditions. Such studies will advance our understanding of complex interactions between sleep and CVD risk.