A new study has found a possible connection between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder and tiny brain bleeds known as microbleeds. The discovery could help doctors better understand how sleep problems affect brain health.
Researchers studied more than 1,400 adults who did not have any microbleeds at the start of the study. They followed them for about eight years to see how their sleep patterns and brain health changed. Participants were divided into three groups: people without sleep apnea, those with mild apnea, and those with moderate to severe apnea.
By the end of the study, people with moderate to severe sleep apnea were found to be twice as likely to develop new microbleeds compared to those without sleep apnea. Around 7 out of every 100 people with serious sleep apnea developed microbleeds, compared to about 3 out of every 100 people who did not have the condition.
Microbleeds are tiny spots of bleeding in the brain caused by damage to small blood vessels. They can be seen in brain scans and may increase the risk of stroke, dementia, or other brain diseases.
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing repeated pauses in breathing. This can lower oxygen levels, increase blood pressure, and disrupt normal sleep all of which may put extra stress on the brain.
The researchers said that while the study does not prove that sleep apnea causes microbleeds, the results suggest a strong link between the two. Even after considering factors such as age, weight, and high blood pressure, people with moderate to severe sleep apnea still had a higher risk.
This study shows how important it is to treat sleep apnea early. Treatments such as CPAP machines, which keep airways open during sleep, may not only improve rest but also protect the brain’s blood vessels.
Doctors advise anyone who snores loudly, feels tired during the day, or notices pauses in breathing while sleeping to see a healthcare professional. Proper diagnosis and treatment could make a big difference in long-term brain health.
