Hypertension, if left untreated, can lead to severe and often fatal complications. Studies show that **50% of untreated hypertensive patients may die from coronary heart disease**, **33% from stroke**, and **10-15% from kidney failure**. Alarmingly, hypertension is becoming increasingly common, and emerging evidence suggests a troubling link to **sleeping pill use**.
### **The Connection Between Hypertension and Sleep Problems**
Many people with hypertension struggle with **sleep disturbances**, leading them to rely on sleeping pills. However, this quick fix may come with serious risks.
### **The Dangerous Effects of Sleeping Pills**
Sleeping pills are among the **most widely used medications worldwide**, prompting the **World Health Organization (WHO)** to issue warnings about their long-term dangers. Key concerns include:
- **Increased risk of premature death** – Those taking **benzodiazepines** (a common type of sleeping pill) have a **3.5 times higher risk of early death** when consuming just **18 doses per year**. Higher doses further elevate this risk.
- **Raised blood pressure** – Sleeping pills can **worsen hypertension**, making regular blood pressure monitoring essential for users.
### **Sleep Problems as an Early Warning Sign of Hypertension**
Research from **China** indicates that **sleep disturbances, particularly insomnia, may signal underlying hypertension**. Additionally, a **Cuban study** involving **206 hypertensive patients** found that:
- **81%** suffered from sleep problems.
- Only **18.9%** slept without difficulty.
- The most common issues were **insomnia and snoring**, each affecting **57.7%** of participants.
### **Key Takeaway**
While sleep problems may drive hypertensive patients to use sleeping pills, these medications could **worsen blood pressure and increase mortality risk**. Instead of relying on pills, individuals should seek **medical guidance** to address both **hypertension and sleep disorders safely**.
