Risk of high blood pressure associated with objective insomnia and self-reported insomnia complaints in major depression: A study on 703 individuals

Background: Since few studies have investigated the risk of high blood pressure associated with objective insomnia and self-reported insomnia complaints in major depression, the aim of this study was to examine this risk in a large sample of individuals with major depression. Methods: Data from 703 individuals with major depression recruited from the research database of the sleep laboratory of the Erasme Hospital were analysed. High blood pressure status was defined by the presence of one of the following: self-reports at interview of either a physician-diagnosis or taking antihypertensive medication; or an average systolic blood pressure >= 140 mmHg or an average diastolic blood pressure >= 90 mmHg during at least two medical examinations. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the risk of high blood pressure associated with objective insomnia and self-reported insomnia complaints in major depression. Results: After adjustment for major confounding factors associated with high blood pressure, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that severe objective insomnia, low complaints of repeated nighttime awakenings or early morning awakening, and intermediate or low self-reported insomnia complaints were significant risk factors of high blood pressure in major depression. Conclusion: In major depression, severe objective insomnia and lower self-reported insomnia complaints are associated with higher risk of high blood pressure, which justifies a better management of objective insomnia and a better assessment of insomnia complaints in this particular subpopulation to avoid the negative consequences related to the co-occurrence of high blood pressure and major depression.