Sleep apnea is an obstructive disease that affects the way you breathe while sleeping. OSA, otherwise known as obstructive sleep apnea, is the most common – and the most destructive. It’s no secret that sleep apnea can put a lot of stress on your heart; but did you know that this condition of sleep apnea can also affect the brain?
Our sleep apnea specialist New York warns of the dangers of sleep apnea and the brain. While you may experience a range of symptoms with obstructive sleep apnea, some indicate damage to the brain.
Don’t worry – this damage can be reversed. Visit your sleep specialist about your best options and keep reading to learn the different ways that sleep apnea affects the brain.
Brain Shape
Sleep apnea can change the shape of your brain! The way it does that is actually right in its name. Apnea is Greek for “without breath,” describing a brief period in time where you stop breathing. Because of this condition, you may stop breathing while you sleep. During these moments, your brain is not getting the oxygen it needs. Being consistently starved of oxygen can cause physical damage to the brain, changing its shape.
The part of the brain most affected? The parts that are responsible for your mood, blood flow, and even your memories.
Memory Loss
Research has shown that sleep apnea causes memory loss, and in severe cases, it can make people forget important events in their lives. We’d say this is a significant way sleep apnea can affect the brain. Memory loss is no stranger to fatigue, and this is one of the main reasons it is linked to sleep apnea.
As your body constantly wakes up throughout the night after these moments of losing breath, you start to get tired. People with untreated sleep apnea find that they are always groggy, fatigued, and feeling miserable. Memory loss is a direct result of fatigue.
It can often be hard for patients to recall specific details of life events. In some cases, people perceive long-term memories as short-term ones, forgetting how much time has passed between the event and the present.
Sleep is more important for your health and well-being than you think. By causing damage to the brain and other vital organs, this obstructive condition makes it difficult for you to enjoy your everyday life.
Restoring Sleep Apnea Brain Damage
Fortunately, according to some studies, it is quite possible to reverse the damage done to the brain by sleep apnea. While the likelihood of a full cure varies from patient to patient, there are many ways to restore good health and functionality to your brain.
The most common and beneficial treatment is to use a CPAP, which is a machine that you use while you sleep. Research shows that people who use CPAP treatment for a year can improve and regrow the white matter in their brain, getting rid of the damages.
Not to mention, CPAP treatment can help eliminate other symptoms of the condition as well. You will breathe better, sleep easier, and supply more oxygen throughout your body.
Defeat Sleep Apnea Today
Snoring, sore throats, and memory problems are some of the most common sleep apnea symptoms. The longer this condition goes untreated, the more severe the effects can be on your heart – and your brain. Don’t risk memory loss or damage to your brain. Get help with your sleep apnea symptoms and stop snoring New York nights away!
At Sleep MD NYC, we can help you identify the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea and provide the best treatment solution possible. Get in touch with us today, and don’t let another sleepless night go by.
