Scientists Probe the Effects of Sleep Apnea and Its Link to Medical Conditions

Scientists Probe the Effects of Sleep Apnea and Its Link to Medical Conditions

For decades, sleep apnea was a problem that was treated as an emotional issue. And, later, many doctors considered sleep apnea to be a problem associated with allergies and snoring. Not until recent years have public and medical health care professionals learned more about this phenomena and its wide-reaching effects on public health. The severity of sleep apnea and its effects on growing numbers have health care advocates working toward more awareness of this condition.

Link Between Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes

A recent study conducted by the American Diabetes Association theorized that as many as forty percent of people with sleep apnea also have type 2 diabetes. According to the study published in the American Diabetes Association's annual meeting report, people with sleep apnea should be screened and tested for type 2 diabetes. The link between type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea is a significant finding because for many decades sleep apnea was a condition of which little was known.

Link Between Sleep Apnea and Memory Loss

With more than twelve million people affected by this condition, researchers have probed sleep apnea to find its causes and how it affects the human body. After analyzing nearly a decade worth of data, researchers found that the results of sleep apnea can be staggering. During sleep, a person with sleep apnea will sporadically stop breathing for periods of time up to a minute or more, literally cheating the brain of oxygen. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most serious form of sleep apnea and is caused by a hindrance or handicap of the airway. People with obstructive sleep apnea can stop breathing many times throughout a single night of sleep. The seriousness of this condition is intensified by the lack of oxygen to the brain which can cause memory problems.

Scientists suggest that a health care professional be consulted if loud, frequent snoring, excessive daytime fatigue, or un-refreshing sleep persist. The only definite way to diagnose sleep apnea is to participate in a sleep study in a sleep lab and undergo a polysomnogram or PSG sleep study. If after consulting with a health care professional, the physician dismisses these symptoms as unimportant, a second opinion may be necessary.

Improve Memory Health Through Nutrition

Recent studies have been published relating to nutrition and improving memory function. The National Institutes of Health launched a study that lasted a span of over six years. Their findings indicated that better circulation and memory are achieved with Gingko Biloba extract, which is taken from the leaves of a Maidenhair Tree. This is a type of tree that has no close relatives and can grow between sixty to one hundred feet high. The extract of Ginkgo leaves contains flavonoid glycosides and has been used in supplements. A 2002 study published by the American Medical Association, however, contradicts the NIH study and stated that ginkgo provides no benefit to memory function. The debate on this supplement continues with many different opinions of its benefit to memory. Some people call this supplement an empty promise with noticeable side effects, especially among people with blood circulation disorders. But many others swear by its positive benefits to memory function. As with any supplement, it is highly recommended that one speak to their health care professional before starting any new regimen.

As more progress has been made in the study of memory loss, researchers are looking to more common nutritional solutions for improving memory. Scientists studied the effects of green tea polyphenols (GTP, for short) on rats who were infrequently deprived of oxygen in order to replicate that lack of oxygen that occurs with sleep apnea. According to a study recently published by University of Louisville researchers, it was theorized that by drinking green tea, one may help minimize memory problems and confusion linked to sleep disorders. It was surmised that green tea, black tea, grapes and cocoa beans all contain polyphenol flavonoids, which are materials found naturally, and these materials can help to safeguard brain cells from damage due to age. While researchers caution that studies on the benefits of green tea, black tea, grapes and cocoa beans continue, the benefits of these food substances may help memory, but more research is necessary to confirm their findings.

Stephanie Rosendahl is a consulting writer for www.healthsciencenews.com, www.medicalonly.com and www.easydietcenter.com, blogs that were created to increase public awareness of health, science, medical, and diet news.