How sleep apnea can affect your brain April 26, 2021 Taking care of your sleep apnea also means you are taking care of your brain. Sleep apnea is a chronic sleep disorder that involves repetitive pauses in your breathing during sleep. These pauses in your breathing reduce the oxygen flow to your brain, leading to a range of health problems. A study by the American Academy of neurology found that more than 50% of participants with cognitive impairments also suffered from sleep apnea. It was also found that those with sleep apnea scored worse on cognitive tests. This is because the quality of our sleep influences our ability to learn and strengthen neuronal connections. Unfortunately however, sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed. If you or your partner show symptoms of snoring, pauses in breathing pattern, tiredness or waking up gasping for air, it is important to see your doctor for a medical check-up. Sleep apnea is often treated with a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine which uses gentle air pressure to keep the airways open. By using a CPAP machine, you are reducing your risk of cognitive problems including memory loss, difficulty concentrating and impaired learning. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to health risks beyond cognitive problems, such as cardiovascular disorders, stroke, diabetes and heart failure. The CPAP Clinic has a network of 40 clinics nationwide, and works in partnership with Centurion Healthcare, a Respiratory & Sleep Specialist clinic group to provide comprehensive sleep care including: Respiratory & Sleep Specialist consultation – face-to-face and telehealth available Sleep studies – in-lab, home and contactless sleep studies available. Bulk billing available for specialist telehealth consultations as well as sleep studies. Medicare criteria apply. Call 1300 76 29 39 or email info@thecpapclinic.com.au for more information.
