Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Fluctuating Blood Pressure?
Question: My primary care physician and I have monitored my BP carefully, and my doctor has prescribed Diltiazem if either Systolic or Diastolic exceed 160 or 90, respectively. This occurs about 3 to 4 days per month, and the BP drops quickly when I use this medication. Question: Often I notice that my BP spikes after I take an afternoon, 30-minute nap. Is this common?
Brief Answer:
Uncommon, but possible; situations listed below sir
Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Contrary to popular belief, afternoon siestas or short naps taken can raise blood pressure, but in my opinion in only two situations.
1. The nap results in lowering or reduced physical activity being undertaken through the day, that can result in weight gain, increased cholesterol levels, etc. A recent study performed in Asia also reported to same, and found reduced physical activity to be the cause for the rise in blood pressure in a group of afternoon nappers with hypertension
2. A common condition called sleep apnea, which when left untreated can result in raised blood pressure. I would strongly urge you to undergo a sleep study to rule this condition out as it can seriously affect blood pressure levels.
But other than in such circumstances, an afternoon siesta should usually help revive brain cells and help calm the individual to help in better control of blood pressure levels. I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
Uncommon, but possible; situations listed below sir
Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Contrary to popular belief, afternoon siestas or short naps taken can raise blood pressure, but in my opinion in only two situations.
1. The nap results in lowering or reduced physical activity being undertaken through the day, that can result in weight gain, increased cholesterol levels, etc. A recent study performed in Asia also reported to same, and found reduced physical activity to be the cause for the rise in blood pressure in a group of afternoon nappers with hypertension
2. A common condition called sleep apnea, which when left untreated can result in raised blood pressure. I would strongly urge you to undergo a sleep study to rule this condition out as it can seriously affect blood pressure levels.
But other than in such circumstances, an afternoon siesta should usually help revive brain cells and help calm the individual to help in better control of blood pressure levels. I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
