Treating Sleep Apnea: A Better Night’s Sleep and Improved Blood Pressure

Most people think of sleep apnea as a nighttime problem – snoring that rattles the walls, restless tossing and turning, or suddenly waking up gasping for air. While these symptoms are disruptive and exhausting, sleep apnea is far more than a bedroom nuisance.

Left untreated, it is a serious medical condition that can quietly damage the heart, strain the blood vessels, and worsen diabetes or obesity over time. A new nationwide study, led by researchers at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute now shows just how much difference treatment can make, especially when it comes to protecting the heart.

What the Study Looked At

The research team analyzed 1575 of patients across multiple medical centers between 2019 and 2023. Everyone in the study had two things in common: they had been diagnosed with sleep apnea, and they also lived with cardiometabolic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity. These patients represent a group at particularly high risk for heart attacks, strokes, and other serious complications.

Researchers compared two groups: those who reported using positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy – the gold standard treatment for sleep apnea – and those who did not. PAP works by gently blowing air into the airway through a mask, preventing the airway from collapsing during sleep. It’s a treatment that sometimes people find difficult to adjust to, but when used consistently, it can make a profound difference.

Harneet Kaur Walia, M.D., medical director of sleep medicine at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, and chief of clinical transformation for Baptist Health Medical Group.

Lower Blood Pressure: A Big Win

“The clearest and strongest finding was in blood pressure. Patients who used PAP had significantly lower readings than those who did not,” said Harneet Kaur Walia, M.D., medical director of sleep medicine at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, chief of clinical transformation for Baptist Health Medical Group, and the senior author of the study.

Their systolic pressure (the “top number”) was about 4 points lower on average, and their diastolic pressure (the “bottom number”) was more than 2 points lower.

 “At first glance, those numbers may not sound dramatic, but cardiologists remind us that even small improvements in blood pressure add up to big changes in long-term health,” added Dr. Walia. A small reduction in blood pressure has been linked with fewer heart attacks and strokes across large populations. In other words – lowering blood pressure by even a little can save lives.

What About Diabetes and Weight?

The researchers also measured blood sugar using a test called hemoglobin A1c, which shows average glucose control over several months. Initially, PAP use seemed linked to lower A1c values, suggesting a benefit for diabetes management. However, once the scientists adjusted for other factors – such as medication use and additional health conditions – the difference was no longer statistically significant.

That doesn’t necessarily mean PAP has no effect on blood sugar. It may simply mean the registry data that were used for the study couldn’t capture all the variables that influence diabetes control.

More precise studies, especially ones that track PAP adherence over years, are still needed. As for weight and triglycerides, no clear differences emerged between PAP users and non-users in this study. That isn’t surprising as sleep apnea treatment alone can’t replace healthy eating, physical activity, and medical care for these complex issues.

Why This Matters

For years, doctors have suspected that treating sleep apnea could do more than improve sleep quality – it could protect the heart. This new study provides strong real-world evidence to back that up. The blood pressure reductions seen here are independent of other factors such as age, sex, medications, or other medical conditions. That means PAP therapy itself seems to make a direct difference.

This matters because high blood pressure is one of the most important and preventable risk factors for heart disease worldwide. Nearly half of adults in the United States have elevated blood pressure, and many don’t even know it. Anything that helps lower those numbers – even modestly – can shift the odds toward better health.

The Human Side of PAP Therapy

Of course, knowing PAP is effective and actually using it every night are two different things. Many patients struggle with the mask, the noise, or the feeling of forced air. It often takes weeks – or months – of trial and error before PAP becomes tolerable, let alone routine. But for those who persevere, the benefits are increasingly clear: better rest, more energy, and now, evidence of stronger heart protection. Healthcare providers are also getting better at helping patients adapt. There are newer, quieter machines, better-fitting masks, and coaching programs that support people through the adjustment process.

“If you or someone you know has sleep apnea, PAP therapy may feel like a big commitment,” said Dr. Walia. “But the data are persuasive: treatment doesn’t just stop the snoring, it lowers blood pressure and may protect long-term heart health.” This latest study is one more reason to stick with therapy, even on the tough nights. Because in the end, sleep apnea isn’t just about restless nights, it’s about safeguarding your future.