Getting enough quality sleep is essential for overall health, according to healthcare professionals. New research is shedding more light on the serious health risks associated with obstructive sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder that disrupts breathing during sleep.
A new study published in the journal Sleep and Breathing found a significant link between obstructive sleep apnea and lower skeletal muscle density. Researchers say the findings suggest the disorder could negatively affect muscle health over time.
Another study, published in the journal SLEEP, found that people whose sleep apnea symptoms fluctuate dramatically from night to night are 30 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. Researchers say it’s not just the severity of sleep apnea that matters, but also how much the condition varies from one night to the next.
Meanwhile, new research led by Vanderbilt Health uncovered a strong connection between sleep apnea and football players. The study, published in Neurology, examined 1,000 former and current players and found that while 32 percent had already been diagnosed with sleep apnea, the true number may be closer to 69 percent when accounting for undiagnosed cases. Researchers say football players may be more susceptible because of higher body mass indexes and thicker necks, both known risk factors for the disorder.