Hypertension As A Predictor Of Sleep Disturbances Among Adults In The National Health Interview Survey (2013-2018)

Background: Suboptimal sleep is a risk factor for hypertension (HTN) and is one of the eight risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the association between sleep disturbances and HTN is unclear. Objective: To examine the relationship between sleep disturbances and HTN among adults in the U.S. We hypothesized that higher sleep disturbance scores are associated with HTN. Methods: We used a cross-sectional design to examine the 2013-2018 National Health Interview Survey. We computed a sleep disturbance score, composite of five components of suboptimal sleep; sleep duration, trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, sleep medication use, and restful. The sleep disturbance score ranges from 0-10 high scores reflect worse sleep disturbance and were categorized into quartiles. Survey-weighted multinomial logistic regression models were fitted, adjusting for covariates. Results: A total of 190,217 participants were included; 31% had HTN, mean age was 47.2 (±0.09 SE) years, and 49% were male. Mean sleep disturbance score was 2.7; mild sleep disturbance was observed in 21%, moderate in 33%, severe in 13%, and very severe in 33%. In the fully adjusted model, the odds of moderate (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.30; 95% Confidence Intervals, 95%CI: [1.15,1.47]) and severe sleep disturbances (aOR: 1.42; [1.30,1.56]) were 30% and 42%, respectively, higher in persons with HTN compared to those without HTN (Table). Conclusion: Adults with self-reported HTN are more likely to have higher sleep disturbances, hence, HTN may play a larger role in sleep outcomes. When screening for HTN, it is also important to screen for sleep patterns that may have an adverse effect on health outcomes.