Normal Daily Changes
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for medical decisions.
Most Important Things to Know:
Blood pressure changes during the day. This is usually normal! But sometimes blood pressure changes need medical attention.
Example: ​
I feel nervous. My blood pressure is high. I check my blood pressure later. It's back to normal.
Normal Changes
-
Don't last long
-
You can't feel
Examples: ​
-
My blood pressure is more than 140/80 every time I take it.​​​
-
I have a blurry vision. My blood pressure is 185/100.
Concerning Changes
-
High for a long time (called hypertension)​​​​
-
Changes you can feel
What You'll Learn on This Page:
Blood Pressure Goes Up
Blood Pressure Goes Down
Your Blood Pressure Changes Throughout the Day–and That's Good!
Just like you change your activities during the day, your blood pressure change. These changes help your body work at its best. Your blood is like a delivery service for your body. Blood pressure changes to make sure your body gets enough blood no matter what happens.
​​
​
Your blood pressure goes up when:
-
You wake up in the morning
-
You exercise
-
You get excited
-
You feel stressed
​​
​
Your blood pressure goes down when:
-
You're relaxing
-
You're sleeping
-
You're feeling calm
​​
​
These ups and downs are your body's way of making sure all your organs get what they need. When you might need more energy or healing, your body turns up the pressure, like turning up a garden hose to water plants faster. When you need rest, your body turns the pressure down.
​​
​
Even stress isn't always bad! A quick rise in blood pressure when you're stressed can help you handle tough situations. It becomes a problem when stress stays high for a long time without breaks for rest.
A Week of My Blood Pressures Combined
This graph shows one week of my blood pressure. The readings were combined into one 24-hour period. This shows how blood pressure changes naturally during the day. Your patterns may be different—everybody's unique!
​​
​
Things to notice:
-
I had a stressful week. Can you tell when I might have been stressed?
-
Can you tell when I took a break?​
Written by:
Last Updated: January 16, 2025
Resources We Used
About Us
Making health information clear and accessible for everyone.
HealthEd For Everyone is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
Get Involved
Get Updates
Thank you for signing up!
© 2024 by HealthEd for Everyone. All rights reserved.
​
Disclaimer:
The information provided by HealthEd for Everyone is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of this information, it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
​
HealthEd for Everyone does not endorse or recommend any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned within this material. Reliance on any information provided by HealthEd for Everyone is solely at your own risk.
​
In no event shall HealthEd for Everyone be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.
​
By accessing this information, you acknowledge and agree to these terms and conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital, or call emergency services immediately.