Study Links Sleep Disorders to Hypertension in Postmenopausal Women

A recent study has established a significant association between sleep-related disorders and hypertension among postmenopausal women in the United States. Published on November 11, 2025, in the journal Menopause, the research led by Zhaoyi Liu, Ph.D., from Chongqing Medical University, highlights crucial health implications for a demographic often at risk for cardiovascular issues.

The analysis examined data from 3,560 naturally postmenopausal women who participated in six cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2007 and 2018. The findings revealed that difficulties in sleeping and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) notably increased the odds of developing hypertension in this group. Specifically, the odds ratio for trouble sleeping was 1.61, while OSA was associated with an odds ratio of 1.63.

Impact of Sleep Duration on Hypertension Risk

The study further identified a U-shaped relationship between sleep duration and hypertension risk. The results indicated that both insufficient and excessive sleep duration contributed to elevated odds of hypertension, with statistical significance indicated by P for overall = 0.0007 and P for nonlinear = 0.0002. This finding suggests that maintaining an optimal balance in sleep duration is essential for cardiovascular health.

Subgroup analysis indicated that body mass index (BMI) played a moderating role in these associations. The researchers found stronger correlations among women classified as obese, with interaction P-values of 0.038 for trouble sleeping and 0.044 for OSA. This emphasizes the need for targeted interventions that consider both sleep quality and weight management.

Dr. Monica Christmas, associate medical director for The Menopause Society, remarked on the implications of the study. She noted, “Although it isn’t possible to determine causality or which came first—sleep dysfunction or hypertension—the study findings raise awareness around the importance of improving sleep quality and optimal weight management during and after the menopause transition as key factors in mitigating long-term cardiovascular risk.”

The study underscores the complex interplay between sleep health and hypertension, presenting a call to action for healthcare providers to address these issues proactively. As more research develops in this area, the findings may contribute to improved health guidelines tailored for postmenopausal women, ultimately fostering better cardiovascular outcomes.

For further details, the study can be accessed in Menopause under the title “Association between sleep-related disorders and hypertension in postmenopausal women from the United States.”