Health

Sleep Matters: What Apnea Studies Teach Us About Brain Health

Published

4 years ago

February 14, 2021

Do you ever wake up feeling tired? Have you been told that you snore? If so, you may have obstructive sleep apnea, one of the most common sleep disorders among adults. One of two major types of sleep apnea, obstructive apnea occurs when you stop breathing while asleep because something is blocking your airway, and it can be very dangerous to sufferers. And, interestingly, the impact of sleep apnea on health can be quite extensive. As recent studies of both obstructive and central sleep apnea demonstrate, the condition may be linked to memory problems and may even mimic Alzheimer’s disease’s impact on the brain.

Sleep Apnea: The Basics

We know that obstructive sleep apnea is very common among adults, but we don’t have particularly good data on the condition, with estimates ranging from 9-38%. However, we do know that men, older adults, and overweight individuals are more likely to suffer from this form of sleep apnea.

Central sleep apnea, a form of the condition characterized by the failure of the brain to trigger breathing during sleep, is more commonly linked to other health conditions, ranging from congestive heart failure to various neurological diseases, and may occur at any age. For example, children with Angelman syndrome are prone to both central and obstructive sleep apnea, as are young people with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Sleep And The Brain

Sleep is an important function of the brain, and our brain’s activity changes immensely while we sleep. When we don’t get enough sleep, or sleep poorly, though, the consequences extend far beyond simple fatigue. Given this, scientists studying the impact of sleep, or a lack thereof, on the brain have turned to obstructive sleep apnea patients as a sample group, and one thing they’ve discovered is that many people with obstructive sleep apnea demonstrate the same brain changes seen in Alzheimer’s patients, despite the fact that they were never diagnosed with any form of dementia.

Making Connections

Even before this study of sleep apnea patients, it was clear to researchers and doctors that Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia were closely linked to sleep, and particularly to circadian rhythm disorders. As recent brain research has shown, Alzheimer’s patients often experience serious sleep disruption, which can cause them to get up and wander in the middle of the night and can complicate their care. Further research into the vulnerability of the primary circadian clock gene (Clk) to neurodegenerative disease is still underway.

Other Theories And Research Avenues

In addition to the research showing neurofibrillary tangles and beta-amyloid plaques in sleep apnea patients’ brains, ongoing work seeks to understand why these develop in this patient set. One working hypothesis suggests that insufficient deep sleep among obstructive sleep apnea patients may interfere with the body’s ability to clear beta-amyloid and other waste from the brain. Looking ahead, if researchers can determine why these patients develop plaques but do not develop dementia symptoms, this could offer valuable insights for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

Patients often dismiss sleep apnea as snoring or as a condition that just makes them feel a little tired, but the more we learn about it, the more concerning the long-term effects of this condition become. Just as researchers are taking the condition seriously as a topic of study, then, patients must take its management serious to mitigate its medical consequences.

Health

How Telehealth Works for Addicts in Recovery

Published

16 hours ago

March 6, 2025

Michelle Langton

Technology has been shaping healthcare for decades, and these days, tech advancements for the health sector are happening faster than ever before. Telehealth has emerged as one advancement that has touched every healthcare discipline, from cancer care to pediatrics. The innovative approach of telehealth is breaking down barriers to care and even reaching those who are struggling with substance abuse.

By leveraging digital platforms, recovery specialists can offer better access to therapy sessions, support groups, and medical consultations. These breakthroughs in accessibility are significant for people in healthcare deserts who are languishing under increased addiction rates and a lack of reliable treatment options.

Nick Padlo, founder and CEO of Sophros Recovery in Florida, has seen the benefit of telehealth for recovering addicts firsthand. “Individuals struggling with addiction can now find support and guidance if they do not have access to a treatment center near their home,” he explains. “These virtual programs are designed to provide comprehensive care, similar to traditional in-person treatment, but with the added convenience of digital accessibility.”

Here, we explore the benefits of telehealth for recovery and how clinicians and other professionals in the field can best utilize it for better outcomes.

An increased need for comprehensive recovery

The United States saw over 107,000 overdose deaths in 2023. This was a notable increase from previous numbers. The emergence of fentanyl as the drug of choice for many and the perpetuation of alcohol and other drug abuses have made access to comprehensive recovery even more important than ever.

“Understanding the options available can be the first step to recovery,” says Padlo. When people have easier access to help, they may be more apt to seek sobriety.

The pandemic saw a marked increase in substance abuse, laying bare the need for digital access to recovery resources. During the COVID shutdown, the crucial need for an alternative to in-person treatment was evident, and the benefits of such treatment options allowed clinicians and other professionals to carry this digital access to recovery care through the pandemic and into the post-COVID world.

In addition, those living in rural areas or areas with a lack of access to comprehensive recovery care often have needs on par with those in larger urban areas. Telehealth allows people to access the same professionals that those in big cities rely upon.

Studies have shown that continuity of care is critical to the success of addiction recovery. Telehealth can facilitate ongoing engagement with those in recovery, securing continuity of care and leading to better recovery outcomes.

A modern approach

“Online addiction recovery typically involves a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, educational sessions, and support groups, all conducted via video conferencing or other online tools,” explains Padlo. The flexibility of these programs allows participants to schedule them around their availability and considering their other commitments.

“We aim to mirror the effectiveness of traditional methods,” says Padlo. “We are providing the same level of care and support through a virtual format.”

Padlo stresses that online recovery can also reduce stigmas that are associated with seeking help for one’s addictions. When those in recovery can participate from the comfort of their own home, they may be more apt to commit to the recovery process.

People will need to consider their personal circumstances when determining if telehealth for addiction recovery is right for them. They may want to evaluate how comfortable they are with technology and whether they have a stable internet connection. Also, it helps to have a strong support system to keep one accountable since it can sometimes be easier to ignore digital meeting commitments.

However, Padlo cautions that those with severe addiction issues or co-occurring addictions may fare better with in-person detox and recovery.

Telehealth can be a powerful tool in the fight against addiction. The option offers a range of benefits, including easier access, privacy, and even savings for some. According to a recent study by the Oregon Health and Science University, telehealth may be just the solution to overcoming the stigma of rehab and recovery and radically reducing barriers for people who need it the most.

While telehealth for addiction recovery may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, and some people may require more intensive care and medical intervention, it has broken barriers for those in areas of limited access to recovery or seeking an option that offers more privacy.

As the field of virtual health delivery continues to evolve, the benefits of telehealth for addiction recovery will become clear. Telehealth provides comprehensive, discrete, and effective care for those starting or continuing their recovery journey.