Sleep apnea: If you’ve been ignoring loud snoring or putting off using a CPAP machine, new research suggests it’s time to take obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) seriously. An observational study published in JAMA Network Open links moderate to severe OSA with a higher risk of developing new cerebral microbleeds, tiny areas of bleeding in the brain associated with faster cognitive decline and increased stroke risk as we age.
Cerebral microbleeds become more common over time, and anything that accelerates them matters for brain health, neurologists say. The concern is twofold: OSA fragments sleep and lowers oxygen levels at night, both of which are tied to brain ageing; add microbleeds into the mix, and long-term risks for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease may rise.
Also Read | What causes sleep apnea? How breathing problems disrupt your sleep
OSA occurs when relaxed or bulky soft tissues block the airway during sleep, causing repeated breathing pauses. (This differs from central sleep apnea, where the brain intermittently fails to signal breathing.) Treatments include CPAP or similar devices, oral appliances that hold the airway open, and, in select cases, surgery. Specialists stress screening and treatment, noting that addressing OSA may protect both near-term quality of sleep and long-term brain health. The study can’t prove OSA causes microbleeds, but it strengthens the case for early diagnosis and adherence to therapy while trials test whether treatment prevents brain changes.
When to get checked for OSA
- Loud, frequent snoring; witnessed pauses, gasping, or choking during sleep.
- Daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, irritability, and increased hunger.
- Night sweats, teeth grinding, morning headaches, or waking multiple times nightly.
