There are two types of nocturnal hypertension, according to a 2022 article in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension. The first has to do with your circadian rhythm. People with higher blood pressure at night are called “risers,” which means their blood pressure rises somewhat at night and then drops rather than peaks in the morning. They might even experience blood pressure that’s too low.
Others have isolated nocturnal hypertension, which simply means that their blood pressure is higher than it should be at night. A hot or humid sleeping environment, aging, genetic factors, sleep disorders, or too much salt could result in nocturnal hypertension. Sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or short-acting blood pressure medication could also cause this condition.
Regardless of type, people with nocturnal hypertension are more at risk for cardiovascular events, organ damage, and cognitive dysfunction. Even people with normal blood pressure or controlled high blood pressure could be at risk for cardiovascular disease if nocturnal hypertension isn’t controlled.