SLEEP DISORDERS AS A RISK FACTOR FOR HYPERTENSION

Sleep disorders are among the most prevalent health problems in modern society and are increasingly recognized as an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Growing evidence indicates that insufficient sleep duration, poor sleep quality, and conditions such as insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea may contribute to the development of arterial hypertension. Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining systemic homeostasis by regulating neurological, endocrine, and metabolic functions. Sleep disturbances may lead to chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, promoting inflammatory processes and impairing blood pressure regulation. An increasing body of evidence suggests that impaired sleep negatively affects overall health and may contribute to the development of multiple chronic diseases. Sleep disturbances frequently coexist with other cardiovascular risk factors, including chronic stress, obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy dietary habits, thereby amplifying their adverse effects. Persistent deterioration in sleep quality may result in metabolic, hormonal, and cardiovascular dysfunction, increasing the risk of long-term health complications and reducing quality of life. In light of current evidence, adequate sleep duration and quality should be considered essential components of hypertension prevention and public health promotion strategies.