Why is my blood pressure high in the morning?

Q: Why is my blood pressure high in the morning?

Generally, blood pressure is often higher in the morning because blood pressure is dynamic and naturally goes up and down throughout the day. This morning rise can be influenced by factors listed in the content—such as physical activity, caffeine, medications, smoking, or stress or anxiety—which are known to cause elevated blood pressure at certain times.

Medically reviewed by Jesse P. Houghton, MD, FACG

Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology

Updated Jan 9, 2026 • Published Jan 9, 2026

Fact Checked

Generally, blood pressure is often higher in the morning because blood pressure is dynamic and naturally goes up and down throughout the day. This morning rise can be influenced by factors listed in the content—such as physical activity, caffeine, medications, smoking, or stress or anxiety—which are known to cause elevated blood pressure at certain times.

Want to dive deeper? Read our full analysis: What causes hypertension? Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment

Medical disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your cardiologist or healthcare provider before making changes to your medication regimen.

Medically reviewed by Jesse P. Houghton, MD, FACG

Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology

Jesse P. Houghton, MD, FACG, was born and raised in New Jersey, becoming the first physician in his entire family. He earned his medical degree from New Jersey Medical School (Now Rutgers Medical School) in 2002. He then went on to complete his residency in Internal Medicine and his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in 2005 and 2008, respectively. He moved to southern Ohio in 2012 and has been practicing at Southern Ohio Medical Center as the Senior Medical Director of Gastroenterology since that time.

Dr. Houghton is the author of What Your Doctor Doesn't (Have the Time to) Tell You: The Gastrointestinal System. He is also an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the Ohio University School of Osteopathic Medicine. He has been in practice since 2008 and has remained board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology for his entire career. He has lent his expertise to dozens of online articles in the medical field.

Why is my blood pressure high in the morning?

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