Sleep apnea has, perhaps rightly, become something of a bogeyman in medical circles. Blamed for a huge variety of modern maladies that include depression, heart disease, and even decreased IQ, apnea’s dangers have inspired a generation of new medical devices and procedures to fill our growing demand for treatment.
Now we can throw another study on the pile of damning evidence against apnea: it turns out that resolving sleep apnea may actually help to reverse a form of brain damage:
Sleep apnea treatment may reverse changes in brain stem activity associated with increased risk of heart disease, a new study suggests.
The study in question examined the use of a CPAP machine in a small cohort of patients, finding that activity in a nerve pathway which can lead to cardiovascular problems was reduced, possibly precipitating a concomitant improvement in heart rhythm and overall health.
The CPAP is a valuable device for many, but it’s not for everyone. If you cannot abide the equipment or simply find it ineffective, it may be time to speak with a sinus surgeon about some more aggressive measures to open your airway. Contact the Los Angeles Sinus Institute to learn more about turbinate reduction, septoplasty, and other options.