Sleep Apnoea and Health Problems: Insights from Dr. Aditi Desai

Sleep apnoea is a common but often overlooked sleep disorder that can have significant implications for overall health. While many people associate sleep apnoea with symptoms like snoring and daytime fatigue, the true impact of sleep apnoea and health problems is far more profound.

Let’s delve into the critical connections between sleep apnoea and your health, sharing expert insights from Dr. Aditi Desai, a leading specialist in sleep medicine. Dr. Desai’s perspective on the far-reaching effects of sleep apnoea underscores the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to mitigate its impact on overall health.

Sleep Apnoea and Its Impact on Your Health

Before exploring the specific sleep apnoea and health problems that can arise, it’s essential to understand what sleep apnoea is and how it affects the body. Sleep apnoea is a condition where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. There are two primary types of sleep apnoea:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): This occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively during sleep, leading to a temporary blockage of the airway.
• Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA): This occurs when the brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing.

The condition is characterised by interruptions in breathing, often lasting a few seconds, but it can occur hundreds of times throughout the night. These interruptions can severely disrupt the quality of sleep, directly impacting overall health. The more severe the sleep apnoea, the greater the potential consequences.

Dr. Aditi Desai’s Insights on the Link Between Sleep Apnoea and Health Problems

As an expert in oral sleep medicine, Dr. Aditi Desai has worked with numerous patients to understand and address the relationship between sleep apnoea and health problems. Her extensive experience has led to a deeper understanding of how untreated sleep apnoea can contribute to a range of serious health issues. Below are some of the most concerning problems Dr. Desai has highlighted.

Cardiovascular Issues

One of the most alarming connections between sleep apnoea and health problems is its effect on the cardiovascular system. Sleep apnoea causes repeated interruptions in breathing, leading to drops in oxygen levels. This triggers the release of stress hormones, raising blood pressure and straining the heart, increasing the risk of hypertension, heart failure, and stroke.

Dr. Desai emphasises that sleep apnoea and cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure and heart disease, are often interconnected. Fluctuations in blood pressure throughout the night can cause long-term cardiovascular damage. Untreated sleep apnoea can worsen these conditions, making treatment essential.

Dr. Desai’s advice: Regular monitoring of blood pressure and seeking treatment for sleep apnoea are essential to reducing cardiovascular risks. Using a mandibular advancement device (MAD) helps maintain steady airflow and prevents breathing interruptions during sleep.

Metabolic Disorders and Diabetes

Another major connection between sleep apnoea and health problems lies in metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes. Frequent drops in oxygen levels during sleep can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. The body’s stress response increases cortisol, disrupting insulin function and raising blood sugar.

People with sleep apnoea are at higher risk of developing diabetes, especially if they have other factors such as obesity or family history. Untreated sleep apnoea also makes it harder to manage blood sugar levels.

Dr. Desai’s advice: Managing sleep apnoea through lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and treatment, can reduce diabetes risk and improve glucose control.

Cognitive Decline and Dementia

Dr. Desai stresses that the impact of sleep apnoea extends to the brain. Chronic sleep deprivation and reduced oxygen flow can cause cognitive impairments, including memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Studies show that people with sleep apnoea face a higher risk of cognitive disorders due to reduced oxygen and fragmented sleep. Dr. Desai highlights the importance of treating sleep apnoea to protect brain health.

Dr. Desai’s advice: Seek treatment to improve sleep quality and ensure the brain receives enough oxygen. Use a mandibular advancement device, manage underlying conditions, and maintain good sleep hygiene.

Weight Gain and Obesity

There is a strong connection between sleep apnoea and weight gain. Untreated sleep apnoea disrupts hormones that regulate appetite—raising ghrelin (hunger hormone) and lowering leptin (satiety hormone)—leading to overeating.

Fatigue caused by sleep apnoea can also reduce physical activity, worsening weight gain. Obesity, in turn, exacerbates sleep apnoea, creating a difficult cycle.

Dr. Desai’s advice: Weight loss is one of the most effective ways to manage sleep apnoea and improve health. Even modest weight reduction can lessen symptoms.

Depression and Anxiety

Chronic fatigue and disrupted sleep patterns can lead to depression and anxiety. Individuals with untreated sleep apnoea may experience increased stress, irritability, and mood swings due to exhaustion.

Sleep apnoea-related fatigue also affects emotional regulation, increasing the risk of mental health conditions.

Dr. Desai’s advice: Treating sleep apnoea improves emotional balance and reduces stress. Improving sleep quality and using therapies such as CBT can help restore mental well-being.

Sleep Apnoea and Sexual Dysfunction

Sleep apnoea can also affect sexual health by disrupting hormone production and blood circulation, leading to erectile dysfunction in men and reduced libido in women.

Dr. Desai’s advice: Treating sleep apnoea can help restore hormonal balance, energy, and sexual health.

How to Address Sleep Apnoea and Health Problems

The good news is that most sleep apnoea-related health issues can be managed with proper treatment. Dr. Desai recommends combining medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and ongoing support.

• Seek professional evaluation and treatment: A sleep specialist can diagnose and recommend suitable treatments, such as oral appliances or lifestyle changes.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Weight loss significantly reduces symptoms and lowers risks of related conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
• Practice good sleep hygiene: Get consistent sleep, avoid alcohol and sedatives before bed, and establish a relaxing bedtime routine.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps manage weight and enhances treatment effectiveness.
• Manage underlying health conditions: Addressing high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity improves overall health and reduces apnoea impact.

Sleep apnoea and health problems are deeply connected, contributing to a range of serious conditions. From cardiovascular issues to cognitive decline, untreated sleep apnoea can be far-reaching. Dr. Aditi Desai’s insights highlight the importance of seeking treatment to protect long-term health. By addressing sleep apnoea through treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and medical support, individuals can improve quality of life and reduce related health risks.