There are millions of people struggling with the effects of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the United States alone. Since this disorder can negatively impact your ability to get enough rest, you’ll want to seek treatment to improve your overall health. On top of affecting your breathing and circadian cycle, apnea episodes can also take a toll on your brain function and memory retention. Keep reading to learn how sleep apnea can impact the brain and how treatment can help.
Brain Function & Sleep Apnea
Humans have a blood-brain barrier, which is a protective layer that covers the brain tissue to defend it against harmful chemicals, bacteria, and infection. According to researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, sleep apnea has been found to contribute to the breakdown of this barrier. This is because interruptions during rest can reduce the amount of oxygen the brain is receiving, leading to measurable damage.
Studies have also discovered decreased white and gray matter in the brains of people experiencing obstructive sleep apnea. This leads researchers to believe that the disorder contributes to changes in the shape of the brain as well as reduces its function.
Memory Loss & Sleep Apnea
Due to the frequent waking that occurs from sleep apnea, you’ll be more likely to feel fatigued throughout the day, and you might struggle with a shorter attention span and decreased short-term memory. Being able to rest properly usually helps to store and create memories. Constant or frequent interruptions can end up making it more difficult to recall events, resulting in forgetfulness. Additionally, studies have found that the mammillary bodies—structures in the brain essential for memory retention—were found to be 20% smaller in adults struggling with sleep apnea compared to those who slept normally.
How Sleep Apnea Treatment Can Help
By addressing sleep apnea, you can increase the chance of improving the health of your brain. Not only can you help the chemicals in the tissue return to normal levels, but you might even enhance your capacity to remember things due to better rest. A recent study showed that after a year of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, patients with sleep apnea were able to nearly restore their brain matter entirely!
You deserve to get the right amount of rest every night while enjoying great overall health. Speak with a sleep apnea expert to help you get the treatment you need, that way you can keep your brain in greater condition in the long run.
About the Author
Dr. David J. Drummond is a highly trained sleep apnea expert and has been providing effective treatment for well over two decades. He graduated from the Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago and offers services like oral appliance and combined therapy to help alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea. If you’d like to know more or wish to schedule a consultation, visit his website or give him a call at 580-355-0344.