Blood pressure naturally follows a daily rhythm. It tends to dip during sleep and rise in the early morning—but for many people with hypertension, this morning spike can be extreme and dangerous.
What Is a Morning Surge?
A morning blood pressure surge is a rapid increase in blood pressure that occurs within the first few hours after waking up. It’s a normal physiological process, but in people with hypertension, the spike can be excessive and harmful.
Why It Matters
Studies have shown that heart attacks and strokes occur more frequently in the early morning hours. One reason is the sudden strain placed on arteries and the heart due to this sharp rise in pressure.
Contributing Factors
Poorly controlled nighttime blood pressure
Obstructive sleep apnea
High-stress mornings
Excessive caffeine or nicotine use upon waking
Certain medications that wear off too early
How to Reduce Morning Spikes
Take medications as prescribed—sometimes bedtime dosing helps.
Avoid caffeine and smoking first thing in the morning.
Practice deep breathing or light stretching before starting your day.
Monitor your BP at home shortly after waking.
Discuss timing and dosage of meds with your healthcare provider.
Keeping morning blood pressure in check is one of the most effective ways to prevent cardiovascular events in high-risk individuals.