Sleep Apnea Accelerates Memory Loss and Cognitive Decline
Getting a proper, good night?s rest seem to be a luxury these days. We are under constant bombardment from work, technology and stress. Sleep is important for many reasons, among those are: memory consolidation, cognitive functioning, regulating blood pressure, allowing cells to repair and allowing the organs to detoxify.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or instances of shallow, infrequent breathing during sleep. When breathing is paused, carbon dioxide builds up in the bloodstream. At a certain point, the brain will trigger the sleeping person to wake and breathe in air. This results in continuous awakening during the sleep period. What this means is that the person will not be able to get a good night?s sleep.
New studies have shown that sleep apnea accelerates memory loss and cognitive decline. Below is an excerpt from a recent study:
“A new study conducted by researchers in the U.S. has provided evidence that heavy snoring and sleep apnea may be linked to cognitive decline and the development of Alzheimer’s disease at an earlier age. The findings also suggested that common continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment could delay progression of cognitive impairment…
…According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 50?70 million U.S. adults have sleep or wakefulness disorders. In particular, men and people older than 65 have a higher risk of sleep apnea. Left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious and life-shortening consequences, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, depression and impotence.?
Should you be concerned about sleep apnea? The answer is ?YES?.