Sleep apnea

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2004
Sleep apnea
7
Mon, 02-06-2006 - 9:28am
I work in health regulatory and in reading an (unrelated) case, I saw a doctor's note that says "It is well known that patients with thyroid disease will often have sleep apnea."
Is that true? And if so, is that typically because of the weight gain associated with the slow down in metabolism, or is there some other factor?
Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
In reply to: urspider02
Tue, 02-14-2006 - 8:41pm
I'm going to "bump" this up in case anyone has any ideas.

Calley7




 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
In reply to: urspider02
Wed, 02-15-2006 - 8:43pm
Hi - yes , it's true but I don't know why. There's so much that can come with being hypo, I never even thought about they "why" of that one! :) Cathy
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-22-2004
In reply to: urspider02
Tue, 02-21-2006 - 6:06pm

Hi:

Here are two excerpts... one explaining risk factors for OSA, and the other explaining later developments in hypothyroidism. They both imply that there is a link between OSA and hypothyroidism, but neither indicates "why." I suspect there is a hormonal link, but can't find any direct info. Good luck with your research.

From www.sleepdisorderchannel.net:

(sleep apnea) Risk Factors:
The primary risk factor for OSA is excessive weight gain. The accumulation of fat on the sides of the upper airway causes it to become narrow and predisposed to closure when the muscles relax. Age is another prominent risk factor. Loss of muscle mass is a common consequence of the aging process. If muscle mass decreases in the airway, it may be replaced with fat, leaving the airway narrow and soft. Men have a greater risk for OSA. Male hormones can cause structural changes in the upper airway. Other predisposing factors associated with OSA include:
Anatomic abnormalities, such as a receding chin
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids, the main causes of OSA in children
Family history of OSA, although no genetic inheritance pattern has been proven
Use of alcohol and sedative drugs, which relax the musculature in the surrounding upper airway
Smoking, which can cause inflammation, swelling, and narrowing of the upper airway
Hypothyroidism, acromegaly, amyloidosis, vocal cord paralysis, post-polio syndrome, neuromuscular disorders, Marfan's syndrome, and Down syndrome
Nasal congestion

from www.armourthyroid.com:

Later Symptoms
If hypothyroidism is left untreated, the classic physical changes characteristic of myxedema can develop—a round, puffy face with a sleepy appearance, dry rough skin, and loss of hair. Other later symptoms include a husky voice and numbness of the arms and legs. Muscle pain, weakness, and carpal tunnel syndrome may occur. Some people experience hearing loss, depression, mental confusion, uneasiness, daytime sleepiness, or memory problems, especially in the elderly. Obstructive sleep apnea, in which tissues in the upper airway collapse at intervals during sleep, thereby blocking the passage of air, is common. Myxedema coma is a life-threatening condition caused by long-standing hypothyroidism.2

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-20-2006
In reply to: urspider02
Wed, 10-25-2006 - 9:09pm
You are correct. I have hypothyroid and suffer from sleep apnea. I think all that ties in together. I thought I was sleeping well, UNTIL I took the sleep test and have been sleeping with a CPAP machine. I was hoping my metabolism would PICK up some, but after 3 months of sleeping with the CPAP, not much luck. BUT I do wake up with clarity. The difference is amazing. I really "thought" I was sleeping good. I am hoping my metabolism will improve. Weight gain plays a big part in sleep apnea, and an underactive thyroid contributes to weight gain... it is an awful cycle!
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-28-2004
In reply to: urspider02
Thu, 10-26-2006 - 9:21am
I, too, suffer from sleep apnea and have just recently been diagnosed hypothyroid! Amazing!!! Unfortunatly, because I cannot breathe thru my nose at all I have to use the full face CPAP which I find to be so uncomfortable!! I wake up at night startled, feeling like someone is strangling me!! So, Im going to try the surgery and also have some sinus surgery done so I can breathe thru my nose- anyways, I find this to be an interesting discovery- Stephanie
Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
In reply to: urspider02
Thu, 10-26-2006 - 9:19pm

This is a new "twist" I was not aware of....the weight gain connection to sleep apnea.

 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-20-2006
In reply to: urspider02
Sun, 10-29-2006 - 3:26pm
Yes, Sleep Apnea causes your metabolism to slow down. Another important reason why a good nights sleep is essential.