Researchers from the European Respiratory Society have found that treating obstructive sleep apnea can help alleviate other health issues as well. The findings were announced in ERJ Open Research.
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common condition marked by a significant drop in breathing or pauses during sleep. The disorder occurs when the soft tissues at the back of the throat temporarily collapse, blocking the airway. For brief periods, typically between 2 and 60 seconds, breathing stops even though the chest continues to move. In many cases, this pattern repeats multiple times each night, disrupting restorative sleep.
People with this condition often snore loudly, which can be a sign of STOP-BANG risk factors and other complications. The consequences include an increased risk of stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Chronic fatigue, morning headaches, and difficulties with concentration are also common complaints among those affected.
The authors studied a treatment approach using a device that delivers a continuous stream of air through a face mask overnight to keep airways open. The study indicates that this therapy not only reduces airway blockages but may also offer additional benefits, including less coughing, a reduction in nocturnal heartburn, and fewer episodes of wheezing .
Historical observations in sleep medicine show that electrical stimulation delivered through the skin can influence airway muscles and may have the potential to reverse some sleep apnea events. Ongoing research continues to explore how such approaches could complement existing therapies and improve overall sleep quality and cardiovascular health for individuals with OSAS .