High Blood Pressure In The Morning: What Causes It?

It’s normal for your blood pressure to naturally rise in the morning after you wake up. This phenomenon, known as the “morning surge,” is part of your body’s natural rhythm.

It refers to an increase in blood pressure observed in the first 2-3 hours after waking up from sleep. However, for some individuals, this rise can be more significant, leading to concerns about potential health risks. To understand why it occurs, we spoke to Dr Vinayak G P, Consultant – Internal Medicine, SPARSH Hospital, Rajarajeshwari Nagar.

Blood Pressure Spike In The Morning

“Blood pressure fluctuates over 24 hours following a circadian rhythm that reaches a peak in the morning shortly after awakening,” said Dr Vinayak.

The circadian rhythm is the body’s internal clock that regulates various bodily processes, including sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, and body temperature.

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According to the doctor, the morning surge in blood pressure is thought to be increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system, which controls your body’s “fight-or-flight” response.

This activation leads to the release of hormones like adrenaline, which can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to rise.