Can Sleep Disorders Damage Brain Health?

Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic found that sleep problems like sleep apnea and insomnia may be more common in patients with neuropsychiatric diseases, and their sleep issues could even worsen their condition.

This is the largest study to date to examine sleep issues in people with brain diseases and mental health conditions. The findings highlight the importance of checking for sleep disorders in these patients and potentially using treatments to improve their overall well-being.

In this article, we’ll break down the findings of this essential study on brain health and sleep disorders.

Sleep Disorders and Brain Health Risks

Sleep apnea and chronic insomnia are both quite common. Sleep apnea disrupts breathing throughout the evening, while insomnia makes it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. Both conditions have been linked to an increased risk of developing brain and mental health problems.

However, researchers haven't fully understood the connection between sleep problems and the severity of these conditions. This new study aimed to bridge that gap.

Unmasking the Sleep-Brain Link

The researchers looked at over 6,200 patients treated at the Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute. These patients had various neurological conditions like brain tumors, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and stroke, or psychiatric conditions like depression or anxiety.

The doctors screened the patients for sleep apnea and insomnia using questionnaires. They also assessed the severity of each patient's neurological or psychiatric condition.

Key Findings of the Cleveland Study

The study found a high prevalence of sleep disorders in these patients. Overall, 36.5% had a high risk of sleep apnea, and 24.6% had a high risk of insomnia.

Interestingly, the prevalence of sleep problems varied depending on the specific neurological or psychiatric condition. For example, sleep apnea was most common in patients with stroke, while insomnia was most common in those with psychiatric conditions.

The study also showed a link between sleep problems and disease severity. For instance, patients with brain tumors who had worse functional abilities were more likely to have sleep apnea and insomnia. Similarly, patients with epilepsy who had more frequent seizures were also more likely to have sleep problems.

What Sleep Disruption Does to Neuropsychiatric Diseases

These findings suggest that sleep disorders may not just be a coincidence in people with neurological and psychiatric conditions. They might actually play a role in how significant these conditions become.

In a 2020 study by Winkelman and de Lecea, sleep disturbance was identified as a diagnostic feature for neuropsychiatric disorders. More than that, it was acknowledged that treating these disorders often improved sleep quality. They cited decades of research including a 1987 study on the effects of sleep length on mania to support the idea that sleep and neuropsychiatric disease had a “bidirectional” relationship, especially for bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and Alzheimer’s.

Concrete illustrations of this relationship are found in several studies such as a 2016 study exploring the connection between changes in dopaminergic neurons and hyperarousal. Another study connected these changes to autism.

Likewise, the Cleveland Clinic study is a big step forward, but there's still more to learn.

The researchers believe that studying the specific impact of sleep disorders on neuropsychiatry sends an important message for doctors. They recommend routinely screening patients with brain and mental health problems for sleep apnea and insomnia. If these sleep disorders are present, treating them could potentially improve the patient's overall health and well-being.

Future research needs to investigate how sleep problems affect the course of neurological and psychiatric conditions. Additionally, studies are needed to see if treating sleep apnea and insomnia can actually improve outcomes for these patients.

From Nightmares to Nightlights

Overall, this research highlights the importance of good sleep for brain health. By recognizing the connection between sleep disorders and neurological and psychiatric conditions, we can work towards better management of both for a healthier future.

Currently, there are effective treatments available for both sleep apnea and insomnia. For sleep apnea, PAP machines are a common treatment that uses a mask to deliver positive airway pressure throughout the night, keeping the airway open and preventing breathing interruptions. Lifestyle changes can also be helpful.

For insomnia, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a drug-free approach that can help people develop better sleep habits. In some cases, medication may also be recommended.

If you have concerns about sleep problems, talking to your doctor is the first step. The experts at nightly.health can help diagnose underlying sleep disorders and recommend appropriate treatment options. Start by availing our free sleep assessment!

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