This Common Sleep Disorder Could Be A Hidden Trigger For Parkinson’s

A new study has revealed that people suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) may have an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Researchers from the VA Portland Health Care System in Oregon, US, found that disrupted sleep patterns caused by OSA could negatively affect brain health, potentially contributing to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.

Obstructive sleep apnoea occurs when throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, causing a temporary blockage of the airway. This interruption forces individuals to wake up repeatedly throughout the night to breathe, leading to poor sleep quality and reduced oxygen levels in the body. Over time, such disruptions can take a toll on the brain’s health.

Study Findings: Sleep Apnoea and Parkinson’s Risk

The researchers examined medical records spanning over 20 years, analyzing nearly 1.6 million older adults diagnosed with OSA. They investigated the incidence of Parkinson’s disease within five years of a sleep apnoea diagnosis.

After adjusting for factors such as age, sex, and overall health conditions, including smoking, they found a significant link between sleep apnoea and Parkinson’s disease. The study revealed that individuals with OSA had 1.8 more cases of Parkinson’s per 1,000 people compared to those without sleep apnoea.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative condition that primarily affects movement, causing symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance. Sleep disorders, including sleep apnoea, are commonly reported as non-motor symptoms among Parkinson’s patients, further highlighting the intricate relationship between sleep and brain function.

CPAP Therapy: A Potential Protective Measure

The study also provided a hopeful finding—early treatment of OSA with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy might help reduce the risk of Parkinson’s. CPAP therapy involves delivering pressurized air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep, preventing breathing interruptions.

According to the study, individuals who started CPAP treatment within two years of their sleep apnoea diagnosis had 2.3 fewer cases of Parkinson’s per 1,000 people compared to those who did not use CPAP. These findings suggest that treating sleep apnoea promptly might play a crucial role in lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Gregory D. Scott, a researcher at the VA Institute, emphasized the importance of early intervention. “Obstructive sleep apnoea is common, and previous research has found that when untreated, it is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. While our study found an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, the good news is people can do something about it by using CPAP as soon as they are diagnosed with the sleep disorder,” he stated.

The findings of the study will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting, scheduled to take place from April 5-9 in San Diego, US.

Ways to Prevent Sleep Disorders

Ensuring good sleep hygiene can help prevent sleep disorders like OSA and promote better overall health. Here are some expert-recommended strategies:

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