Many people with hypertension turn to sleeping pills to manage their sleep problems. But these widely used medications come with serious risks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that taking sleeping pills—especially benzodiazepines—can significantly raise the risk of early death. “Taking up to 18 doses per year increases the risk of early death by 3.5 times,” according to the WHO.
Even more alarming: these pills may raise blood pressure, worsening hypertension. Because of this, the WHO advises regular medical checkups for anyone using sleeping aids, especially those with high blood pressure.
Sleep aids might seem like a quick fix, but they could be adding to the problem.
