Sleep apnea is a serious sleep condition that affects roughly 30 million Americans. The condition causes a person to stop breathing for short periods during sleep. The duration can last from a few seconds to a minute. It can also happen throughout the night. This impacts sleep quality and can lead to so many unwanted issues. Common complications related to the condition include daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, headaches, dry mouth, and a sore throat. Sleep apnea not only impacts daily life, but it can also lead to several other conditions. It increases the risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Obesity and age are common risk factors. However, some medications can trigger sleep apnea.
Medications that Can Trigger Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues. Working with a sleep apnea treatment provider is important for your long-term health. Several factors place one at a higher risk for sleep apnea. Common factors include age and obesity. However, certain medications can also trigger the condition. Below are some of the main types of medication that are known to contribute to or worsen sleep apnea symptoms.
Sedatives
Sedatives are medications that can contribute to sleep apnea. These are often prescription sleep medications that slow down brain activity. These are used to help you fall asleep with ease. Sedatives can also relax the muscles in your throat and tongue. This can make it much easier for the airway to collapse during sleep. The more relaxed the airways are during sleep, the higher the risk of obstruction.
Pain Medications
Pain medication has been connected to sleep apnea. Opioids are powerful pain relievers. These are often prescribed for those who are in chronic pain or right after a surgical procedure. Strong pain medications suppress the brain’s breathing control centers. Suppressing these areas makes it hard for your body to maintain breathing as you sleep. The medication also reduces the brain’s sensitivity to low oxygen levels. This makes it difficult for the body to respond appropriately when oxygen levels drop. Talk with your prescribing provider about how long you will be taking these medications. Even short-term use can trigger sleep apnea.
Muscle Relaxers
Muscle relaxers have been connected to sleep apnea. They are used to relieve tension, spasms, or pain. However, they also reduce muscle tone throughout the body. This can impact the throat muscles. When this occurs, airflow becomes restricted. This often results in moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. This may be offset if you avoid taking them too close to bedtime. However, talk with your prescribing provider before you make any changes to your medication.
Allergy Medications
Some allergy medications can have an impact on sleep apnea. Certain allergy medications have a sedative effect. For some people, this is a beneficial side effect as it helps them fall asleep more easily. However, the medication can cause muscle relaxation. It can also increase airway resistance. This can worsen snoring and sleep apnea. The effect can be worse for those who are overweight or experience frequent nasal congestion. Several non-sedative allergy medications are less likely to impact breathing.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can cause several different symptoms. It can look different for each person, but loud snoring, gasping, and choking sounds are familiar. Many times, these symptoms are noticed by the person’s partner, as they can impact the sleep of those around them. Pauses in breathing are also common and can be observed by others.
Those who have the condition often notice the effects during the daytime. Sleep apnea can cause daytime fatigue and difficulty concentrating. It can also cause irritability, mood swings, and poor performance at work or school. It is important to consult with a sleep specialist if you experience these symptoms. They can create a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs.
Risks Associated with Untreated Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to more serious conditions. A customized treatment plan is necessary to reduce your risk. Below are some of the common conditions associated with untreated or mismanaged sleep apnea.
High Blood Pressure
Sleep apnea increases the risk for high blood pressure. Each time you experience a sleep apnea episode, it triggers stress hormones. These hormones raise your blood pressure. Oxygen drops during sleep make it much harder for your blood vessels to properly recover. This ultimately strains the heart. When this repeats, it leads to high blood pressure.
Heart Disease
Heart disease and the risk for stroke are closely linked to sleep apnea. The condition puts excess pressure on the cardiovascular system. When you stop breathing during sleep, it leads to oxygen dips. This forces the heart to work much harder. When this occurs, it increases inflammation and damages your arteries. This places you at a higher risk for a heart attack, irregular heartbeat, and stroke.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea are closely linked. The interruptions in sleep caused by sleep apnea impact how the body processes glucose and uses insulin. Stress hormones are also released during sleep apnea episodes. This impacts blood sugar and makes it much harder to control. When left untreated, this can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. An effective treatment plan ensures that your blood sugar is stabilized. It also helps manage metabolism, which is helpful in maintaining your weight.
Cognitive Issues
Cognitive issues have been closely connected to untreated sleep apnea. For optimal brain function, steady oxygen and deep sleep are necessary. Sleep apnea disrupts sleep throughout the night for short periods. When oxygen dips during these episodes, it can impact your cognitive health. This can lead to issues with memory and focus. It can also impact mental health and lead to anxiety or depression. Everyday stressors can further exacerbate this.
Top Sleep Specialist
If you experience the symptoms of sleep apnea, contact the team at Sleep MD to schedule an appointment!
