The effects of obstructive sleep
apnea (OSA) may worsen in cold weather, according to the findings of a
recent study in Brazil.
Researchers from the
Hospital de Clinicas Porto Alegre reviewed the results of sleep studies
conducted on approximately 7,500 adults over a 10-year span. The researchers
grouped data regarding apnea events (or periods in which a patient’s breathing
stops during sleep), airflow, snoring and cardiac arrhythmia into four seasonal
periods.
The review of data
indicated that more patients sought diagnosis for sleep apnea symptoms
in the winter months, and that instances of arrhythmia among those with OSA
occurred more in winter than any other season. Previous studies have indicated
that environmental factors such as atmospheric pressure, carbon monoxide levels
and humidity can influence the severity of obstructive sleep apnea.
While this study—the results
of which were published in the medical journal Chest—did not yield a conclusive link between sleep apnea and cold
weather, researchers believe that the prevalence of upper-airway disturbances
during the winter months can magnify sleep apnea symptoms and may be why more
patients sought testing for sleep apnea in the winter.
In addition to
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, the field of dental sleep
medicine offers a number of comfortable and effective treatment options for
sleep apnea, including custom oral appliances.
If you or a loved one
suffers from chronic snoring or other symptoms of sleep apnea, please contact IHateCPAP.com to
locate a dentist near you who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of
sleep apnea.