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Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. Sleep apnea has been linked to stroke in a study conducted by the National Institute of Health. Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked.
About the Study
The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care medicine published a study researched by the Sleep Heart Health Study, reporting a link between sleep apnea and stroke. This study was carried out in nine different medical facilities across America. This was the largest and most widespread study completed regarding the risk of stroke as it relates to sleep apnea. The participants included 2, 462 men and 2, 960 women. All participants were aged 40 or older with no history of stroke. At the start of the study, the participants were given an at home sleep study to determine if they in fact had sleep apnea and if so, to what severity. The participants were then followed for approximately nine years.
The Findings
The researchers from the Sleep Heart Health Study stated that upon completion of the study, 193 of the participants had gone on to have a stroke. This number included 85 men and 108 women. Upon adjusting their data, the researchers found that sleep apnea affected the risk of stroke greater in men than it did in women. The researchers found that men were put at an increased risk with even mild to moderate sleep apnea, while women were at an increased risk only when diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. These findings support the theory that obstructive sleep apnea is connected to stroke, especially in men. This research study provides clues as to how sleep apnea affects overall health and how cardiovascular problems such as stroke can develop.
Why more Men Are Affected Than Women
Researchers feel that men have a greater risk of developing stroke as a result of sleep apnea because men tend to develop sleep apnea at a younger age than women do, and men also tend not to treat the sleep apnea in a timely fashion. These factors may lead to the increased effects of sleep apnea on men’s health over time, putting them at a greater risk for developing a stroke. Additionally, the findings suggest that the amplified risk of stroke in men is comparable to adding 10 years to their actual age. The study also states that men appear to be at an increased risk of developing stroke even with relatively moderate sleep apnea, whereas a woman’s risk increases only when severe sleep apnea is involved.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
If left untreated, sleep apnea can raise your risk for not only having a stroke, but also causes an increased risk for developing many other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and overall drowsiness and lack of energy. There are many treatment options available to control sleep apnea.
The CPAP machine
The most common treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea is the CPAP machine. The CPAP machine is a device with a mask that provides the user with a continuous flow of air that helps to keep the airways clear during sleep. In addition to the CPAP machine, there are other devices that can be used to increase airflow while you sleep.
The BPAP machine
The BPAP machine allows for assistance for people with weak breathing patterns. The device automatically adjusts air pressure as you breathe, compensating for your own shallow breathing. Additionally, the BPAP may be able to detect when you have not breathed in a few seconds and can then force a breath.
Dental devices
Persons who have tried the CPAP and cannot adjust to it or those who find it has not been effective for them, may instead choose to use a dental device as an alternate treatment for sleep apnea. Dental devices are typically made of acrylic and are worn in the mouth during sleep. These devices fit similar to an athletic mouth guard and help to clear the airway by repositioning the lower jaw or tongue during sleep. Dental devices typically work best on mild to moderate sleep apnea.
If you have tried other sleep apnea treatments and have not found relief from your condition, it may be helpful to discuss surgical options with your doctor. Surgery to clear your airway may include the removal of tonsils and/or adenoids or any extra tissue at the back of the throat and nose.
As many as 12 million people across the United States may have sleep apnea. Many of these cases of sleep apnea go undetected and untreated. When left untreated, sleep apnea may cause a multitude of health problems over time. According to a research study by the Sleep Heart Health Study, sleep apnea and stroke are directly related. Having sleep apnea increases your risk of having a stroke, especially in men. If you feel as though you may have sleep apnea, consult your healthcare professional to discuss treatment options that may be right for you.
The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care medicine published a study researched by the Sleep Heart Health Study, reporting a link between sleep apnea and stroke. This study was carried out in nine different medical facilities across America. This was the largest and most widespread study completed regarding the risk of stroke as it relates to sleep apnea. The participants included 2, 462 men and 2, 960 women. All participants were aged 40 or older with no history of stroke. At the start of the study, the participants were given an at home sleep study to determine if they in fact had sleep apnea and if so, to what severity. The participants were then followed for approximately nine years.
The Findings
The researchers from the Sleep Heart Health Study stated that upon completion of the study, 193 of the participants had gone on to have a stroke. This number included 85 men and 108 women. Upon adjusting their data, the researchers found that sleep apnea affected the risk of stroke greater in men than it did in women. The researchers found that men were put at an increased risk with even mild to moderate sleep apnea, while women were at an increased risk only when diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. These findings support the theory that obstructive sleep apnea is connected to stroke, especially in men. This research study provides clues as to how sleep apnea affects overall health and how cardiovascular problems such as stroke can develop.
Read more: Can sleep Apnea Cause Sexual Problems?
Why more Men Are Affected Than Women
Researchers feel that men have a greater risk of developing stroke as a result of sleep apnea because men tend to develop sleep apnea at a younger age than women do, and men also tend not to treat the sleep apnea in a timely fashion. These factors may lead to the increased effects of sleep apnea on men’s health over time, putting them at a greater risk for developing a stroke. Additionally, the findings suggest that the amplified risk of stroke in men is comparable to adding 10 years to their actual age. The study also states that men appear to be at an increased risk of developing stroke even with relatively moderate sleep apnea, whereas a woman’s risk increases only when severe sleep apnea is involved.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
If left untreated, sleep apnea can raise your risk for not only having a stroke, but also causes an increased risk for developing many other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and overall drowsiness and lack of energy. There are many treatment options available to control sleep apnea.
The CPAP machine
The most common treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea is the CPAP machine. The CPAP machine is a device with a mask that provides the user with a continuous flow of air that helps to keep the airways clear during sleep. In addition to the CPAP machine, there are other devices that can be used to increase airflow while you sleep.
The BPAP machine
The BPAP machine allows for assistance for people with weak breathing patterns. The device automatically adjusts air pressure as you breathe, compensating for your own shallow breathing. Additionally, the BPAP may be able to detect when you have not breathed in a few seconds and can then force a breath.
Dental devices
Persons who have tried the CPAP and cannot adjust to it or those who find it has not been effective for them, may instead choose to use a dental device as an alternate treatment for sleep apnea. Dental devices are typically made of acrylic and are worn in the mouth during sleep. These devices fit similar to an athletic mouth guard and help to clear the airway by repositioning the lower jaw or tongue during sleep. Dental devices typically work best on mild to moderate sleep apnea.
If you have tried other sleep apnea treatments and have not found relief from your condition, it may be helpful to discuss surgical options with your doctor. Surgery to clear your airway may include the removal of tonsils and/or adenoids or any extra tissue at the back of the throat and nose.
As many as 12 million people across the United States may have sleep apnea. Many of these cases of sleep apnea go undetected and untreated. When left untreated, sleep apnea may cause a multitude of health problems over time. According to a research study by the Sleep Heart Health Study, sleep apnea and stroke are directly related. Having sleep apnea increases your risk of having a stroke, especially in men. If you feel as though you may have sleep apnea, consult your healthcare professional to discuss treatment options that may be right for you.