Bidirectional and causal relationship exists between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and hypertension in a dose-response manner, independent of confounding variables such as age, smoking, and body mass index. OSA is conventionally diagnosed and graded by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). The relationship between AHI and changes of blood pressure deserves further investigation.

Approximately 50% of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have hypertension; up to 30% of patients with hypertension have OSA, and the prevalence is even higher in those of resistant hypertension. OSA is conventionally diagnosed and graded by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). This retrospective study aimed to determine if OSA severity and AHI have effect on blood pressure measurements and the nocturnal changes following an overnight sleep.

Inclusion Criteria:

(1). Individuals who underwent full-night polysomnography at Taipei VGH for symptoms related to obstructive sleep apnea, such as snoring and daytime somnolence; (2). Feasibility to measure BP via wrist monitors; (3). Confirmation of wakefulness through electroencephalography.

Exclusion Criteria:

(1). Failure to measure BP via wrist monitors; (2). Age younger than 18 years; (3). Sleep efficiency less than 50%; (4). Central sleep apnea ≥ 50%

Individuals who underwent full-night polysomnography at Taipei VGH for symptoms related to obstructive sleep apnea, such as snoring and daytime somnolence