Sleep apnea impairs blood pressure regulation

KELOWNA, British Columbia - Sleep apnea has an immediate negative impact on blood pressure, according to a new study. Just six hours of fluctuating oxygen levels associated with sleep apnea impairs the body's ability to regulate blood pressure, say researchers at the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus. The study, in which healthy young adults wore ventilating masks for six hours and had their oxygen levels alternated to mimic apnea symptoms, also found damaging blood flow patterns in the legs, which could ultimately impact vascular health.