“Bedtime dosing provided better nocturnal blood pressure control and improved circadian rhythm,” the study concluded, noting no significant differences in adverse effects.
A clinical trial led by Sichuan University in China has shown that taking antihypertensive medication at bedtime improves both nocturnal and daytime blood pressure control compared to morning dosing.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, involved 720 hypertensive patients aged 18 to 75 across 15 hospitals in China. Participants were randomly assigned to take a single-pill combination of olmesartan and amlodipine either in the morning (6–10 a.m.) or at bedtime (6–10 p.m.).
After 12 weeks, researchers observed a greater reduction in nighttime systolic blood pressure in the bedtime group, with a difference of -3.0 mm Hg (95% CI, -5.1 to -1.0 mm Hg). Diastolic pressure also dropped more significantly at night in the same group.
“Bedtime dosing provided better nocturnal blood pressure control and improved circadian rhythm,” the study concluded, noting no significant differences in adverse effects.
The findings support the benefits of bedtime dosing in managing hypertension and encourage further research into antihypertensive chronotherapy.