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A new study at University of New South Wales Brain Sciences shows that the brain is hurt more severely than previously thought by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. The study is the first of its kind to analyze second by second what happens to the brain when OSA sufferers are asleep. It was found that changes in biochemistry occur much like in people who have suffered a severe stroke or are dying.

Obstructive sleep apnea is due to the upper airway being obstructed by the soft tissue in the back of the throat. The muscles relax as the sufferer sleeps, which then block the airway. One of the most common symptoms of OSA is snoring. However, stoppages in breathing can occur dozens of times a night; in the most severe cases, this can occur hundreds of times a night. The breathing stoppages can occur ten seconds or more at a time until the body forces itself awake to take another breath.

This starves the brain of oxygen, which can cause a plethora of problems including behavioral changes like depression, problems at work and more due to exhaustion. OSA may lead to the development of diabetes, heart attack and stroke.

The study is different from prior sleep apnea studies in that those have focused on recreating this condition in patients who are already awake. Sleep specialists from the Woolcock Institute at Sydney University used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to study around a dozen male patients with severe and untreated OSA. They found that even a small percentage of oxygen desaturation during sleep can cause serious effects on the bioenergetic status of the brain. The findings also showed that lack of oxygen while asleep is far worse than while awake since people can compensate much more easily for lack of oxygen while they are awake.

This study is just another example of why it is important to seek medical attention if you believe you have obstructive sleep apnea. While Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is often the first solution prescribed by doctors, it often doesn’t work. This is because most people stop treatment and do not wear the mask throughout the night. Technically, CPAP works very well by delivering a constant supply of oxygen. Practically, a majority of people find that it interferes with sleep and has its own list of side effects including dry nose and mouth, and acne.

Alternatives to CPAP, such as oral appliance therapy, medication and surgery (in the most severe cases) may be as successful. Gurnee, Illinois sleep specialist Ira Shapira and his resource site ihatecpap.com discuss sleep apnea and treatment in depth.
If you are suffering from sleep apnea, please contact Dr. Ira Shapira for an initial consulation.