Can anyone relate to increase of blood pressure in the wee hours of the morning. I normally have decent, normal readings but every once in a while at around 2 in the morning I feel my heart pounding - my body gets hot - then I get chilled and my blood pressure is somewhere between 160-170 over 110? Of course I worry - then can't go back to sleep and it takes maybe two hours for the pressure to go down and then I could get back to sleep. I find this very scary - as you would too. What causes this? Anyone have a clue. I am eight years past menopause so I don't believe it's that. I read about panic attacks - could it be that? Any thoughts would be appreciated. ;)

hello Lola~you are experiencing a blood pressure "spike". There are many reasons/causes for these. They can deifinitely be related to anxiety or panic. They can also be hormonal related~even if you are past the "pause". A spike can even feel like a hot flash. They can also occurr if you are having a bad(or scary) dream. I have found that eating too soon before laying down is a no-no. I was having some bad spikes late at night and realized it happened after drinking a 16-20oz bottle of water. Then I saw a doctor on tv that confirmed a large amount of water will raise BP. So try not to eat or drink for 3 hrs before you lay down. A tense or emotional day can make you wake with a jolt. Lastly it could be that your BP med/meds are not working as well as they should and could be wearing off as you sleep. If possible try not to take your BP when you awaken in a dither~as that can cause more anxiety/stress which in turn will keep you from getting back to sleep~simply because you are frightened. I have learned not to be a slave to my home monitor and it has sure helped me :)
these are just my opinions~and I offer them to you because I have had some similiar episodes to yours. But if they continue,you will need to call your doctor or maybe the Dr's nurse and report it and ask them some questions to see what they think?
hope I helped,take care~RR

lola's mom,

MANY people have the highest readings of the day immediately upon awakening.