Sleep apnea and its impact on exercise
Proper breathing is essential for exercise. Find out how sleep apnea can affect your physical performance and what you can do to overcome this challenge.
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that can have a significant impact on an individual's overall health and well-being. Among those affected, athletes often face unique challenges due to their rigorous training and physical demands.
Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to interrupted sleep patterns and inadequate oxygen supply to the body. There are three types of sleep-related breathing disorders: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), and Mixed or Complex Sleep Apnea. Each type has different characteristics that allow for diagnosis. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder (SRBD), affecting more than three out of every ten men and nearly one in every five women. Patients with OSA often experience partial or total collapse of the upper airways during sleep.
Sleep apnea is estimated to affect a substantial portion of the population, with varying degrees of severity. Studies suggest that approximately 20-30% of adults may have some form of sleep apnea, while a significant number remain undiagnosed.
Several factors contribute to the development of sleep apnea. For OSA, excess weight, obesity, and anatomical abnormalities such as a narrow throat or large tonsils can contribute to airway obstruction. Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and sedative medication use can also exacerbate the severity of sleep apnea. Athletes, due to factors such as increased body weight, neck circumference, and physical exertion, may be at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea.
What impact does sleep apnea have on exercise?
Quality sleep plays a pivotal role in an athlete's performance and recovery. During sleep, the body undergoes essential processes such as tissue repair, hormone regulation, and memory consolidation.
Sleep apnea can negatively affect an athlete's exercise performance in various ways. The fragmented sleep caused by apnea episodes can result in daytime sleepiness, reduced concentration, and impaired cognitive function. Additionally, sleep apnea has been linked to decreased aerobic capacity, increased fatigue levels, and impaired cardiovascular function, all of which can hamper an athlete's overall athletic performance.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea is crucial. Common indicators include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches.
Seeking medical evaluation and treatment options is essential to prioritize sleep health and can have benefits in achieving one's full potential in terms of overall health as well as in sports activities.
Bibliographical references:
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Fietze I, et al. Prevalence and association analysis of obstructive sleep apnea with gender and age differences - Results of SHIP-Trend. J Sleep Res. 2019 Oct;28(5):e12770.
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Thordis Berger
Chief Medical Officer Holmes Place