Ask Dr. Rowena

Photo Dr. Rowena Your questions about high blood pressure answered by a board certified doctor. Browse the categories in the left menu.

Sleep apnea, Bi-Pap machine and BP

Q: My blood pressure during the day is usually 115/60-55, but after sleeping a while, it will go up to 150/85-55 and wake me up. Valium or muscle relaxants will lower it in a few hours. I also have sleep apnea. Does the air pressure...

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Better night sleep

Q: Will RESPeRATE help me get a better night sleep?

A: Relaxation techniques are frequently recommended to help people who have trouble falling asleep. Use of the RESPeRATE is soothing and calming. Because of this, it is likely that regular use before bedtime would be helpful....

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Falling asleep with RESPeRATE

Q: What happens if I fall asleep using Resperate?

A: Many people report falling asleep while using the RESPeRATE. It is very soothing and relaxing to use. Falling asleep while using the RESPeRATE, is not harmful to your body. That session you may not get in...

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Hypertension drugs and sleep

Q: I have been taking 100 mg of metoprolol for 6 weeks after taking 50 mg for 8 weeks prior to the increase. After the 2nd week, I had difficulty sleeping which has gotten progressively worse, so my doctor changed my med to 10 mg...

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Snoring and hypertension

Q: Does snoring increase blood pressure?

A: Snoring has been associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure. This is especially true if the snoring is a result of sleep apnea. Click here to learn more.

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Menopause and hypertension

Q: I have experienced occasional sleep disorders (due I believe to menopause). When I am sleep deprived, my blood pressure registers 150/100. This is high, but when I am not sleep deprived, it’s fine. What measures can I take to address this temporary increase in...

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Insomnia and blood pressure

Q: For several years now I have been unable to get a good night’s sleep without a sleep aid such as Ambien – during that same period my blood pressure has been a little high – is there a correlation?

A: Not sleeping well has been...

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Insomnia, Tylenol PM and meds

Q: Since the doctors put me on HBP medication I have had Insomnia which has continued to get worse. This insomnia causes depression which sometimes leads to suicide thoughts. I have tried everything which works sometimes. Recently I began taking 2 Tylenol PM with my...

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Sleep apnea, phenylephrine and BP

Q: My blood pressure meds seem to control my blood pressure along with my BiPAP machine. To enable me to use the machine I must take phenylephrine for nasal congestion but it carries a warning for users with high BP. What can I do?

A: I...

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Relationship between BP and insomnia

Q: What is the relationship between BP and insomnia?

A: A recent study has shown that people with chronic insomnia have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. Getting a good night’s sleep is important for your health. Talk to your doctor if you are...

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