Is Poor Sleep Hurting Your Brain?

There is growing evidence that untreated OSA can have long-term impacts on brain function, potentially increasing the risk of memory problems, Alzheimer’s and dementia. Here’s how:

1. Reduced Oxygen to the Brain: During episodes of OSA, a lack of oxygen-rich blood affects every organ, including the brain. Deprived of oxygen, brain cells become stressed and may even begin to deteriorate over time. Research has found that people with severe OSA are more likely to show signs of brain atrophy, or loss of brain tissue, which can impair memory and executive function (the ability to plan, focus, and carry out tasks).
2. Sleep Fragmentation and Brain Health: Each time breathing stops due to OSA, the brain is forced to wake up just enough to resume breathing. This repeated awakening fragments sleep cycles, especially the REM (rapid eye movement) stage, which is essential for memory consolidation and cognitive processing. Without consistent REM sleep, the brain cannot process and store memories effectively, leading to cognitive challenges over time.
3. Increased Risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia: A significant body of research suggests that OSA may accelerate the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Poor sleep contributes to the accumulation of these plaques, and people with untreated OSA have shown higher levels of beta-amyloid than those without sleep disorders. This buildup in the brain is associated with a greater risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia later in life.
4. Increased Inflammation and Cortisol: Sleep apnea-induced stress leads to elevated levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that is harmful in high amounts. Chronic inflammation and cortisol levels can negatively impact brain function, reducing memory capabilities and impairing learning processes.

If you or a loved one has untreated OSA, you may notice symptoms like:

• Memory problems (forgetting names, details, or recent events)
• Difficulty concentrating on tasks or following conversations
• Reduced problem-solving skills and slower thinking
• Mood changes such as increased irritability, anxiety, or even depression

These symptoms may appear to be simply part of aging but could signal an underlying, treatable sleep issue.

The good news is that treating OSA can have a powerful, positive effect on cognitive health. By restoring regular, oxygen-rich sleep, patients often experience an improvement in memory, mood, and overall mental sharpness. Here’s how treating OSA can lower your risk of cognitive decline:

1. Restored Oxygen Flow: Treatments such as mandibular advancement devices (MADs) or CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) help keep airway open, ensuring consistent oxygen flow to the brain.
2. Enhanced Sleep Quality: With continuous treatment, people with OSA experience fewer nighttime awakenings, allowing them to complete full sleep cycles, including critical REM stages.
3. Reduction in Plaque Formation: Treating OSA can improve sleep quality, which may help the brain clear beta-amyloid plaques more effectively, potentially reducing Alzheimer’s risk.
4. Lower Stress Hormone Levels: With better oxygenation and sleep quality, cortisol levels can return to healthier ranges, reducing inflammation and stress on the brain, which supports mental clarity and emotional well-being.

By addressing OSA, you’re not only improving your sleep but also taking a proactive step to protect your brain health and reduce the risks of cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s, and dementia.

If you’re concerned about the impact of sleep apnea or snoring on your brain health, the first step is testing and diagnosis. Daybreak offers a fully at-home sleep apnea solution that makes testing and treatment easy and convenient. Our FDA-cleared at-home sleep test can determine if you have sleep apnea, and, if appropriate, we provide custom-made mandibular advancement devices to treat OSA.