How Sleep Apnea Is Endangering Your Brain Health

December 27, 2021
Blue illustration of human brain, demonstrating brain health in Melbourne

The human brain is regarded as one of the most complex and wonderful creations in the known universe. As astounding as it is, however, it is also rather delicate. Even something seemingly simple, like not getting enough high-quality sleep, could have major consequences for it. Let’s discuss the connection between sleep apnea and brain health. We’ll also touch on what you can do to protect your brain.

Sleep Apnea and the Blood-Brain Barrier

The blood-brain barrier is a network of blood vessels and other tissues that surround the brain, protecting it from harmful substances. Its design allows things like water and oxygen to pass through while it prevents most fungi, bacteria, and parasites from getting to your brain.

Sadly, researchers have found that in people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the blood-brain barrier is weaker than it is in people without OSA. It is thus easier for harmful substances to permeate the barrier and adversely affect brain health. Individuals with OSA are at an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other serious conditions.

How does OSA damage the blood-brain barrier? More research is necessary before we can fully understand the answer to that question. However, many scientists believe that it has to do with the fact that people with OSA are often deprived of oxygen while they sleep.

Other Ways OSA Can Affect the Brain

The blood-brain barrier isn’t the only part of your brain that is at risk if you have OSA. Your mamillary bodies may also suffer. Mammillary bodies are structures in the brain that are important in memory storage. The mammillary bodies in people with troubled sleep may be up to 20% smaller than those in the brains of healthy people.

To make matters worse, numerous studies have shown that sleep apnea is correlated with a decrease in both white matter and gray matter in the brain. White matter is important in regulating mood, memory, and blood pressure. Gray matter is also extremely important; it helps control emotions, movement, and more.

Protecting Your Brain

The above information should be taken seriously, but there is no need to be too frightened. While the brain is delicate, it is also resilient; it has mechanisms in place to repair itself. According to some studies, after one year of sleep apnea treatment, patients regained almost all of the white matter they had lost. Their gray matter showed improvement after only three months. The blood-brain barrier also has the capacity to heal if you start getting enough high-quality sleep.

There are a few different forms of sleep apnea therapy. Many patients enjoy using a custom oral appliance, which is convenient, portable, and highly effective. A local sleep dentist would be happy to help you learn more about your treatment options so you can get on the road to better rest and a healthier brain.

Meet Dr. Mogell

Dr. Kenneth Mogell, a board-certified specialist in sleep medicine with over 10 years of experience treating sleep breathing disorders is the practice’s founder and primary practitioner. The practice has three South Florida locations: Melbourne, Vero Beach, and Boca Raton. To learn more about Florida Dental Sleep Disorders and Dr. Kenneth Mogell, contact our team at 844-294-7559. We accept Medicare, Tricare and most medical insurance!