Medical researchers in South Australia assessed more than 600 men aged over 40 to 88 years to measure the link between sleep apnea and muscle mass with grip strength. Source
Link between sleep apnea and increased risk of dementia
A new study by Monash University has found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been linked to an increased risk of dementia. Source
Obstructive sleep apnea risk varies in patients with different types of epilepsy
People with generalized epilepsy who have seizures arising from both sides of the brain simultaneously, have a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) compared to patients who have focal epilepsy where seizures emanate from one area of the brain, according to a Rutgers study. Source
Identical signs of brain damage in sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s
New research shows damage in the brain starts in the same place and spreads in the same way in sleep apnea, as in Alzheimer’s disease. The study is the first to find Alzheimer’s-like amyloid plaques in the brains of people with clinically-verified obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that affects more than 936 million people worldwide. Source
Gut microbiome plays important role in sleep regulation
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects more than one billion people worldwide. Evidence suggests OSA can alter the gut microbiome (GM) and may promote OSA-associated co-morbidities, including diabetes, hypertension and cognitive problems. Researchers have discovered how OSA-related sleep disturbances affect the gut microbiome in mice and how transplanting those gut bacteria into other mice can cause changes to sleep patterns in the recipient mice. Source
3D face photos could be a sleep apnea screening tool
Facial features analyzed from 3D photographs could predict the likelihood of having obstructive sleep apnea, according to a new study. Source
Artificial intelligence could enhance diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders
Artificial intelligence has the potential to improve efficiencies and precision in sleep medicine, resulting in more patient-centered care and better outcomes, according to a new position statement. Source
Chronic opioid therapy can disrupt sleep, increase risk of sleep disorders
Patients and medical providers should be aware that chronic opioid use can interfere with sleep by reducing sleep efficiency and increasing the risk of sleep-disordered breathing. Source
Type 2 diabetes and sleep problems in midlife women
Hormone changes are known to alter insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, as well as interfere with women’s sleep patterns. But little was known about the association between diabetes and sleep disturbances during the menopause transition until now, as a new study concludes that women with diabetes are at greater risk for sleep disturbances. Source
Treat insomnia before sleep apnea
The ‘double whammy’ of co-occurring insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea is a complex problem best managed with non-drug targeted psych interventions, a new study has found. By following simple new guidelines, people with the concurrent conditions reported great improvement to both their sleep, and their health — with about 50% improvement in global insomnia severity and night-time insomnia after 6 months. Source