A recent research effort has shed light on a night-time behaviour many dismiss as harmless, revealing possible early signs of dangerous health conditions. Snoring, often the subject of jokes and frustration within households, may in fact be an indicator of hypertension—commonly known as high blood pressure—which significantly increases the risk of heart failure, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Scientists at Flinders University in Australia, spearheading the largest study of its kind to date, have uncovered a strong association between habitual snoring and elevated blood pressure levels. The peer-reviewed findings, published in *Nature Digital Medicine*, utilised advanced sleep monitoring devices that tracked over 12,000 participants worldwide in their own homes, allowing for objective observation of their sleep patterns over nine months.
The research primarily focused on overweight, middle-aged men, a demographic shown to be particularly vulnerable. Dr Bastien Lechat, the study’s lead author, emphasised, “For the first time, there’s clear scientific evidence connecting frequent night-time snoring with high blood pressure, independent of other risk factors.” Notably, 15 per cent of the study group snored for over 20 per cent of the night, with these individuals exhibiting significantly higher rates of uncontrolled hypertension compared to those who snored less or not at all.
While snoring itself is often dismissed as a benign nuisance, the study’s authors urge healthcare professionals and the public to treat habitual snoring as a potentially serious symptom. Professor Danny Eckert, Director of Sleep Health at Flinders University, pointed out a critical implication: “Habitual snorers had almost double the risk of uncontrolled hypertension. For those suffering from both regular snoring and sleep apnoea, this risk rose even further.”
Snoring frequently coexists with sleep apnoea, a disorder marked by repeated pauses in breathing through the night. Even when sleep apnoea is not present, the disruptive impact of snoring on sleep quality can contribute to blood pressure dysregulation. Over time, poorly managed hypertension is known to pave the way for organ damage, including complications in the heart, brain, and kidneys.
In tandem with these findings, recent research based on data from the UK Biobank draws attention to the health benefits of maintaining consistent sleep and wake times. According to Jean-Philippe Chaput of the University of Ottawa, “Irregular sleeping patterns, especially if repeated several times a week, can become a chronic health problem. The closer bedtime and wake time stay within a 30-minute window each day, the better for cardiovascular health.”
For those who snore, simple interventions recommended by the NHS include losing excess weight, sleeping on one’s side, and using specialised pillows. Avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol, and sedative medications is also advised, as these can exacerbate snoring. Moreover, if sleep disruption persists or is accompanied by excessive daytime fatigue or observed breathing problems, consulting a medical professional is highly recommended.
The Flinders University researchers believe their findings could pave the way for new treatments and preventive strategies targeting snoring as a modifiable risk factor. “Our results underscore the need to include snoring in the assessment and management of sleep disorders, particularly when treating hypertension,” Dr Lechat added. The team hopes that addressing snoring directly may, in turn, reduce the long-term burden of hypertension-related illnesses.
The study’s authors stress that while not every case of snoring signals a medical emergency, persistent or loud snoring—especially if linked to sleep disruption or pauses in breathing—warrants evaluation by a healthcare provider. For more information on sleep health and the management of snoring and hypertension, individuals are encouraged to visit the NHS website or seek guidance from a GP.