Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. When you have sleep apnea, the interruption of your breathing makes it difficult for your body to get enough oxygen while you’re asleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease—both of which are associated with memory problems later in life as well as other health issues.
Yes, sleep apnea causes memory loss
Sleep apnea affects the brain in several ways.
Firstly, it decreases the amount of oxygen in your blood. This can cause a decrease in mental performance, including memory.
Secondly, sleep apnea can cause headaches and feelings of fatigue during the day. These symptoms may make it difficult to focus on tasks or remember things you need to do.
Thirdly, since sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep, patients often wake up frequently throughout the night. This can lead to poor sleep quality and a lack of restful sleep, which can have negative effects on the brain and cognitive function.
Fourthly, sleep apnea can also cause changes in brain structure, such as an increase in brain cell death and a reduction in the volume of certain brain regions. This can cause memory loss and affect other brain functionalities.
These reasons have been proven to cause memory loss. Studies have shown that people with sleep apnea may have a higher risk of memory loss and cognitive decline. In addition, sleep apnea has been linked to an increased risk of certain brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
What to do if you have memory problems
If you think memory problems may be caused by sleep apnea, here are some steps to take:
- Talk to your doctor about sleep apnea.
- Ask for a referral for a sleep study.
- If it’s determined that you have sleep apnea and it’s interfering with your ability to remember things, ask your doctor about recommended treatment options.
Treatment options for sleep apnea
There are several treatment options for sleep apnea.
The most common treatment is the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which delivers a steady stream of air to the airways to help keep them open during sleep.
Other treatments for sleep apnea may include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and oral appliances, which are devices worn in the mouth to help keep the airways open.
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove tissue or structures in the airway that are blocking the flow of air.
Your healthcare provider will recommend the best treatment option for you based on the severity of your sleep apnea and any other medical conditions you may have.
Call the Marx Sleep Center today and get your free sleep consultation
If you are experiencing memory loss and think your sleep apnea may be the cause of it, or if you want to reduce the risk of more serious health issues down the road, contact Marx Sleep Center to book a free sleep consultation. We’ve helped countless patients overcome the worst of their sleep apnea symptoms with tailored solutions that meet their needs.
