Blood pressure regulation via thermal control during sleep

This technology uses a stimulating device and blood pressure monitor to regulate blood flow and lower blood pressure during sleep through targeted thermal stimulation, promoting cardiovascular health by integrating into a climate-controlled bed.

Background

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a significant health concern linked to various cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. During sleep, a natural dip in blood pressure is expected, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health. However, some individuals, including those who have normal blood pressure (normotensive), do not experience this dip, a condition known as the "non-dipper" phenomenon. This lack of a nocturnal blood pressure drop is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Traditional approaches to managing hypertension often involve medication, which can have side effects and may not address the specific issue of nocturnal blood pressure regulation. Additionally, the relationship between sleep, body temperature, and blood pressure is complex, with body temperature regulation playing a crucial role in sleep induction and maintenance.

Current methods do not adequately leverage this relationship to address the problem of non-dipping blood pressure during sleep, highlighting a need for innovative solutions that can induce a healthy blood pressure drop in alignment with the body’s natural circadian rhythms.

Technology description

The described technology is a sophisticated system designed to manage blood pressure levels during sleep through targeted thermal stimulation. It comprises a stimulating device and a blood pressure monitor, which work in tandem to regulate blood flow in specific body areas, such as the palms and soles, by inducing vasodilation or vasoconstriction of arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs).

The system can be integrated into a climate-controlled bed with multiple zones, allowing for precise thermal regulation. Sensors are employed to continuously monitor physiological parameters like temperature and blood pressure, enabling the system to adjust the thermal stimulation dynamically. This approach aims to lower blood pressure when it exceeds a predetermined threshold, thereby promoting cardiovascular health during sleep.

What sets this technology apart is its proactive approach to managing blood pressure through manipulation of the body’s thermoregulatory mechanisms. Unlike traditional methods that may rely on medication or passive monitoring, this system actively engages with the body’s natural processes to induce a beneficial dip in blood pressure, which is crucial for cardiovascular health.

By targeting glabrous tissues and utilizing a climate-controlled environment, the system offers a non-invasive and personalized solution that aligns with the body’s circadian rhythms. This innovative use of thermal stimulation not only enhances sleep quality but also addresses the “normotensive non-dipper paradox,” where individuals do not experience the natural blood pressure dip during sleep, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

Provides a non-invasive method to manage blood pressure during sleep
Proactively induces a significant drop in blood pressure during sleep
Promotes cardiovascular health by ensuring a natural blood pressure dip
Targets peripheral thermoregulatory control tissue for effective blood flow modulation
Uses sensors to monitor physiological parameters and adjust stimulation accordingly
Integrates into a climate-controlled bed for targeted thermal regulation
Enhances sleep quality by aligning with the circadian cycle
Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with blunted sleep-time blood pressure decline