What is sleep apnea and who is at risk of developing it
This particular sleep disorder involves the cessation or reduction of breathing while asleep, and is often caused by a blockage of air by the tongue and palate, which results in snoring. Throughout the night, breathing is frequently interrupted for periods of 10–30 seconds, leading the individual to wake up in order to regulate their breathing. Although the individual may not realize that their sleep is being interrupted, a common sign of this disorder is constant fatigue upon waking, no matter how long they sleep. If you suspect that you may be experiencing this issue, it is recommended that you review these 7 indicators for a more thorough assessment.
sed on various research and experiments, it is hypothesized that around 2-7% of men experience moderate to severe sleep apnea, while the percentage for women is around 2-5%. However, these figures may not accurately reflect the actual number of people affected by this health condition, as many remain unaware of their condition and do not seek medical help.
What it the connection between sleep apnea and reduced cognitive abilities?
The impact of sleep apnea on cognitive function has been established by scientists, who have found that interrupted oxygen supply to the brain during sleep affects its structure and functioning. Nevertheless, some experts attribute this effect to other health issues that are related to sleep apnea, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and peripheral vascular disease.
According to Dr. Ivana Rosenzweig, a neuropsychiatrist and head of the Sleep Center and brain plasticity at King's College London, the latest study suggests that even healthy individuals may suffer brain damage due to interrupted breathing during sleep.
What sleep apnea does to the brain and cognition
The study involved 27 men aged 35-70 with moderate to severe comorbid sleep apnea, whose test results were compared with those of other men without sleep apnea or comorbidities from 7 different research sources. All participants had a body mass index below 30, did not smoke or drink alcohol, and were not obese.
Although no causal relationship could be established, the findings suggest a strong correlation between sleep apnea and brain damage. According to the study, men who suffered from sleep apnea suffered more than others from problems such as a decrease in short-term memory and damage to executive functions - mental processes that allow us to plan, maintain concentration, retrieve information from memory and do several things at the same time. They also showed less sustained attention, alertness and impulse control.
The cognitive abilities of the participants were assessed using several neuropsychological tests, and Dr. Rosenzweig notes that one of the most surprising results was that the participants who suffered from sleep apnea also showed a decline in social and emotional cognition. "In our clinic, this phenomenon was usually mentioned by the partners of the patients. For example, the spouse sometimes reported that the patient suffering from sleep apnea is a person who is 'less emotionally present', 'irritable', or 'less thoughtful'. However, in the studies conducted until our study, no such connection was noted.'
What do other experts say about this study?
According to Dr. Colleen Lance, a physician at the Center for Sleep Disorders at the Neurology Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, getting enough uninterrupted sleep is crucial for the brain and mind to heal and maintain good health. The brain's ability to heal is negatively affected when sleep is shortened or interrupted.
Dr. Lance provides an example from animal studies, where rats that experienced a lack of sleep had more protein accumulation in their brains, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease. Sleep plays a vital role in clearing out this protein waste, and sleep apnea hinders this process, leading to cognitive decline.
How to deal with sleep apnea
Identifying sleep apnea in your partner may be necessary, since 80-90% of people who have the syndrome are unaware of it. If you experience breathing interruptions during sleep, it's recommended that you consult a physician and undergo testing in a sleep laboratory to determine the severity of the syndrome.
The treatment you receive will adhere to the severity of your condition:
Treatment for mild to moderate cases may involve losing weight or changing sleeping positions, while more severe cases may require surgical intervention or an oral device adjusted by a dentist. The most severe cases may require the use of a CPAP device, which delivers regular air pressure to the throat through a mask worn during sleep to keep the airways open.
To avoid the issue, professionals suggest refraining from drinking alcohol or taking sedatives before sleeping, resting on your side rather than your back, and enhancing sleeping conditions such as creating a dark environment and refraining from using screens for at least one hour before going to bed. All of these measures should be taken to prevent the problem.
