Low Blood Pressure and Sleep: Risks, Symptoms & Safety

Low blood pressure (also called hypotension) is when your blood pressure drops below normal. Normal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. Low blood pressure can be dangerous, especially if it drops suddenly or to very low levels..

Some people may experience symptoms when their blood pressure is low, including:

* Dizziness

* Lightheadedness

* Fatigue

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Confusion

* Blurry vision

* Seizures

In some cases, low blood pressure can be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition, such as:

* Heart disease

* Kidney disease

* Diabetes

* Adrenal insufficiency

* Thyroid disease

* Certain medications

If you have low blood pressure, it's important to see your doctor to find out the cause and get treatment if necessary. In some cases, low blood pressure can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as:

* Eating a healthy diet

* Getting regular exercise

* Avoiding alcohol and caffeine

* Quitting smoking

* Managing stress

If your blood pressure is very low or if you're experiencing symptoms, you may need to be hospitalized. Treatment for low blood pressure may include intravenous fluids, medications, or surgery.

Sleeping with low blood pressure is not safe: lying down can make your blood pressure drop further. This is because when you lie down, gravity pulls your blood to your lower body, which can reduce the amount of blood that returns to your heart. The decreased blood flow can cause your heart rate to slow down and your blood pressure to drop.

People with low blood pressure should avoid sleeping with their heads elevated to prevent hypotension in the morning.

If you have low blood pressure, you should talk to your doctor about whether or not it is safe for you to sleep with your head elevated.