Does Sleep Apnea Cause Seizures?

Getting enough sleep is vital, especially for older adults. A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found a surprising connection between sleep problems and a specific type of epilepsy.

The study, published in Sleep, suggests sleep apnea and low oxygen levels during sleep may be linked to late-onset epilepsy, a condition that first appears in people over 60. These findings are important because they offer a potential way to prevent late-onset epilepsy.

Find out more about the link between sleep apnea and epilepsy in this article.

Seizures in Older Adults

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes seizures. While it affects people of all ages, more and more new cases are diagnosed in older adults. Often, there's no clear reason for these later-in-life seizures.

Late-onset epilepsy might be linked to other health problems like stroke or blocked arteries. It might also be an early sign of Alzheimer's or dementia. The new research led by Dr. Christopher Carosella suggests sleep apnea and low oxygen during sleep could also play a role.

Sleep Apnea and Nighttime Breathing

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by breathing repeatedly stopping and starting at night. These pauses can last for a few seconds or even minutes, disrupting sleep and lowering oxygen levels. Sleep apnea is already linked to heart problems and memory decline.

The new study looked at the connection between sleep apnea and late-onset epilepsy. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,300 people in a previous study on sleep problems and heart health. They compared sleep information with medical records to find people who developed late-onset epilepsy.

The Low Oxygen Link

The results were intriguing. People whose oxygen levels dropped below 80% during sleep (called nocturnal hypoxia) were three times more likely to develop late-onset epilepsy than those with normal oxygen levels. Also, people who reported having sleep apnea later in life were twice as likely to develop the condition.

The study didn't find a direct link between the usual way sleep apnea severity is measured (apnea-hypopnea index) and epilepsy risk. This suggests that for epilepsy risk, how low oxygen levels get during sleep might be more important than how often breathing pauses occur.

Why Low Oxygen Matters

The link between low oxygen at night and epilepsy risk is likely because the brain needs oxygen to function properly. Repeated exposure to low oxygen levels during sleep apnea episodes may gradually change the brain, making seizures more likely.

The study doesn't prove that treating sleep apnea prevents epilepsy, but it suggests a possible area for future research and prevention strategies.

A Step Towards Prevention

Dr. Carosella sees this research as a potential first step towards finding and treating reversible causes of epilepsy. He highlights the importance of checking for and treating sleep disorders in people with epilepsy, especially those at higher risk.

These findings also have broader implications for brain health. Since sleep apnea affects heart health and thinking skills,understanding its link to epilepsy might help identify people at risk for these conditions as well.

This opens doors for potential preventive measures and early intervention strategies.

The Road Ahead for OSA Patients

This research paves the way for future studies to see if treating sleep apnea can prevent late-onset epilepsy. If a clear cause-and-effect relationship is established, it could change how we approach this condition in older adults.

Researchers can also explore how sleep apnea and low oxygen contribute to epilepsy risk. This deeper understanding could lead to the development of more targeted treatment approaches.

The link between sleep apnea and late-onset epilepsy is a significant discovery. It highlights the importance of good sleep for brain health throughout life. By recognizing the potential impact of sleep disorders, we can move towards better management of epilepsy and potentially prevent its onset in some individuals.

Living with sleep apnea can be challenging, but there are effective treatments available. Experts like the ones at nightly.health offer information and support on managing sleep apnea, including BiPAP machines and lifestyle changes. If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, talking to your doctor is the first step.

Get started with your sleep assessment today!

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