Sleep apnea
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Sleep apnea
| 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?
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?

Calley7
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
This is a new "twist" I was not aware of....the weight gain connection to sleep apnea.