Recent studies have shown how the seemingly harmless condition of sleep apnea can lead to more serious health problems, including cognitive deficits and cardiovascular diseases. Snoring, restless sleep, excessive night sweats, and frequent awakenings during the night are all signs of the onset of sleep apnea. A recent study published in the journal Plos Biology highlighted the potential influence of this condition on genetic regulation, shedding light on the implications of this nocturnal phenomenon that afflicts more than half of Italians.
The study indicated that episodes of lack of oxygen during sleep can alter gene expression in various parts of the body, with the lungs, heart, liver, and cerebellum all undergoing changes. The condition, if neglected, can trigger cardiovascular risks such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, heart attack, and stroke. Even more concerning, recent studies suggest a connection between sleep apnea and a decrease in brain volume, particularly in the medial temporal lobe area, which is involved in memory and associated with Alzheimer’s.
The head doctor of the Sleep Medicine Center of the Irccs San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, Luigi Ferini Strambi, underlines the importance of treating sleep apnea not only for cardiovascular health but also for protecting memory and delaying nerve degeneration. One of the most effective therapies for sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), which keeps the airways open during sleep, mitigating the harmful effects of apnea.
The complexity of this seemingly trivial condition makes it crucial to identify symptoms early. In addition to nocturnal symptoms, sleep apnea syndrome can also manifest with reduced libido, sexual impotence, headache upon awakening, memory and concentration problems, and sometimes depressive symptoms. Recognizing and treating sleep apnea is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.