Sleep apnea is usually triggered by a co-morbidity, with one of the most common being obesity. However, at The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona, we are committed to providing patients with a holistic care and treatment for every type of sleep disorder—and that starts with a comprehensive analysis and plan. Recently, the University of Missouri School of Medicine in collaboration with MU Health Care found that mice with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA, the most common type of sleep apnea) have their gut microbiome affected. It is yet another link that sleep experts are looking into and may pave the way for future OSA best practices. Scientists discovered that transplanting gut bacteria from mice who have sleep apnea leads to cardiovascular shifts in recipients.
OSA is a chronic sleep condition that affects over 1oo million people around the globe (with some estimating that up to a billion people suffer from OSA). Research shows that OSA not only changes the gut microbiome, but actually promotes a myriad of OSA-linked co-morbidities like hypertension, diabetes, heart conditions, and cognitive issues. The full study can be found in the European Respiratory Journal.
Mouse Matters with OSA
In the study, mice were injected with gut bacteria from other mice who were in conditions that are similar to sleep apnea. The authors then examined cardiovascular results over a six-week period. A variety of heart functions were analyzed, including coronary artery function, blood pressure, aorta function, and a blood draw was taken and measured via a metabolite from the gut that is known for hardening the arteries. According to the lead author,
We discovered that the mice with transplanted gut bacteria from donors exposed to sleep apnea conditions experienced a blood pressure increase, higher harmful metabolite levels and impairments in aortic and coronary function. In other words, the changes in gut microbiome alone were sufficient to induce some of the changes in cardiovascular function that are characteristically seen in a patient with OSA.
Additionally, all mice were given a probiotic to gauge if positive gut bacteria might help with the damage. The researchers report that there were “protective effects” with this method—but only in those mice who got the transplanted gut bacteria. However, the researchers were surprised to find no positive benefit to those who were directly exposed to conditions similar to sleep apnea. The authors summarize,
These findings indicate probiotics alone are insufficient to protect against the many adverse effects induced by chronic sleep apnea, including inflammation, metabolic dysregulation and antioxidant imbalance, and that probiotics may need to be given in conjunction with the standard treatment of OSA which is CPAP to enhance the probiotic benefit.
Managing Your OSA
It is important to remember that gut bacteria is just one of many factors that affect cardiovascular disease linked to sleep apnea. While probiotics might be a “promising therapy” for the cardiovascular system, much more research still needs to be done—and CPAP remains the gold standard in managing OSA. One of the most important factors in CPAP adherence is making sure you have the right equipment that is fitted correctly for you. Working with leading sleep experts is the best way to get any sleep condition under control.
In the rare instance that CPAP does not work for a patient, other options available include the Inspire implant. The Insomnia and Sleep Institute is one of the few clinics offering this option. Implants force the airways open while you sleep via a small internal device. However, it is required that CPAP therapy be tried and shown not to resolved the issue before moving on to more invasive options, like an implant.
There are other methods for managing OSA, too, including weight loss in some cases as well as sleep hygiene best practices. If you think or suspect you have OSA, the quicker you schedule a consultation with a sleep expert, the better. The most obvious signs of OSA are snoring and gasping for breath at night, but that can be difficult to know for those who sleep alone. Daytime symptoms include fatigue regardless of how many hours of sleep you think you get and headaches. To schedule a consultation with a sleep expert, get in touch with The Insomnia and Sleep Institute today. Give us a call or, for the quickest response, complete the online contact form right now.
