Does Sleep Apnea Cause Brain Damage?

 

The gasping during the night that characterizes obstructive sleep apnea can damage the brain in ways that lead to high blood pressure, depression, memory loss, and anxiety. These breathing pauses can prevent your body from supplying enough oxygen to the brain. In severe cases, this lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage. Signs of this damage include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and moodiness.

sleep apnea can result in a number of health problems including hypertension, stroke, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy (enlargement of the muscle tissue of the heart), heart failure, diabetes, obesity, and heart attacks. sleep apnea was significantly associated with both insomnia and high levels of stress.

sleep apnea can be reversed by continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Sleep apnea is a chronic condition. Mild cases can be improved with lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, an increase in physical activity, or quitting smoking and drinking. 

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