Q: Are high BP and vertigo connected to not being able to stay asleep?
A: Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, have been associated with high blood pressure. If you awaken at night feeling short of breath, discuss this with your doctor. True vertigo, a sensation of spinning or whirling, is usually caused by a problem in the inner ear or the vestibular system. This is the part of the body that controls balance.
I have heard that vertigo and use of a CPAP for sleep apnea are related. Is that true? I started using a CPAP in August 2009 and had my first case ever of vertigo in January. It was very scary.