In a heartening health update shared by Hyderabad-based neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a 46-year-old man was able to stop taking his blood pressure medicines—thanks to the treatment of an underlying sleep disorder. The story highlights how proper diagnosis and lifestyle changes can not only improve sleep but also have a positive impact on other health conditions like hypertension.
The patient, Mr. Tukaram (name changed), had initially consulted Dr. Kumar with complaints of fatigue, low energy, poor sleep at night, and daytime drowsiness. He had been taking medicine for high blood pressure (hypertension) for over a year.
Upon further examination and detailed history-taking, Dr. Kumar discovered that the patient was also snoring loudly at night—a sign often missed or ignored. This detail, reported by the patient’s wife, raised a red flag for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep.
A sleep study (polysomnography) confirmed the diagnosis of severe OSA. His apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)—which indicates the severity of sleep apnea—was over 30, a high number. Dr. Kumar prescribed a two-pronged approach: daily use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, and lifestyle changes including a healthy diet and regular exercise to promote weight loss.
Just a month into the treatment, Mr. Tukaram reported better sleep and increased energy. He was using the CPAP machine consistently for 6–7 hours every night. Over the next few months, not only did his sleep and alertness improve, but something unexpected happened—his blood pressure started going down.
By the third month, his doctor was able to reduce the dosage of his BP medication. After six more months, he stopped medication altogether, and his blood pressure remained stable. In addition, he lost 8 kilograms over the course of a year.
Dr. Kumar explained that obstructive sleep apnea is closely linked to hypertension, especially in overweight individuals. Studies show that regular CPAP use (for more than 6 hours nightly) can reduce blood pressure by 5–10 mmHg. Similarly, every kilogram of weight loss can lead to approximately a 1 mmHg drop in blood pressure.
This case serves as an important reminder that treating sleep disorders can lead to unexpected health benefits. However, Dr. Kumar added a word of caution: individual responses to treatment may vary. It’s essential to consult your physician before making any changes to your medication or health routine.
The patient, Mr. Tukaram (name changed), had initially consulted Dr. Kumar with complaints of fatigue, low energy, poor sleep at night, and daytime drowsiness. He had been taking medicine for high blood pressure (hypertension) for over a year.
Upon further examination and detailed history-taking, Dr. Kumar discovered that the patient was also snoring loudly at night—a sign often missed or ignored. This detail, reported by the patient’s wife, raised a red flag for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep.
A sleep study (polysomnography) confirmed the diagnosis of severe OSA. His apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)—which indicates the severity of sleep apnea—was over 30, a high number. Dr. Kumar prescribed a two-pronged approach: daily use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, and lifestyle changes including a healthy diet and regular exercise to promote weight loss.
Just a month into the treatment, Mr. Tukaram reported better sleep and increased energy. He was using the CPAP machine consistently for 6–7 hours every night. Over the next few months, not only did his sleep and alertness improve, but something unexpected happened—his blood pressure started going down.
By the third month, his doctor was able to reduce the dosage of his BP medication. After six more months, he stopped medication altogether, and his blood pressure remained stable. In addition, he lost 8 kilograms over the course of a year.
➡️Treatment of one problem resulted in improvement of an additional problem
— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) April 18, 2025
➡️46-year-old Mr Tukaram (name changed) consulted me with complaints of lethargy, fatigue, unrefreshing night-time sleep and daytime sleepiness.
➡️He was a hypertensive for one year, and was taking…
Dr. Kumar explained that obstructive sleep apnea is closely linked to hypertension, especially in overweight individuals. Studies show that regular CPAP use (for more than 6 hours nightly) can reduce blood pressure by 5–10 mmHg. Similarly, every kilogram of weight loss can lead to approximately a 1 mmHg drop in blood pressure.
This case serves as an important reminder that treating sleep disorders can lead to unexpected health benefits. However, Dr. Kumar added a word of caution: individual responses to treatment may vary. It’s essential to consult your physician before making any changes to your medication or health routine.
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