New Study Finds Link Between Sleep Apnea and Cancer Growth

More than 18 million Americans are affected by sleep apnea, a disease that works by interrupting the ability to rest soundly. It might even affect your partner's ability to rest due to loud snoring. However, according to some recent data, the side effects of sleep apnea could actually be more dangerous than interrupted sleep. Results are now linking sleep apnea to the growth of cancer. Specifically, through blood vessels and how quickly they are able to expand through tumors.

These same researchers explain that intermittent hypoxia (lack of oxygen flow) "is associated with worse mortality and aggressiveness in some types of cancer." 

This blood vessel link was found through the use of mice and kidney cancer. By exposing the mice to various levels of oxygen, they found that tumor-based blood vessels were more likely to form and expand, growing the tumor overall. Whereas, in those who received steady oxygen flow (and in higher levels), the same was not true of the affected blood vessels. 

However, facts are still in the works. While this correlation certainly seems disheartening in theory, there is plenty to be learned and addressed between sleep apnea and it's ongoing side effects. They also pointed out that more links need to be made – and a varied test model – before the data is applicable to humans. Including looking for exceptions in particular, the researchers said. 

Instead, the current facts that were obtained from mice can be used to find more information, as well as how to better study sleep apnea as a whole and how it might affect any type of body.

To learn more about sleep apnea and how it can affect your health outside of sleep, talk with your doctor. Then be sure to check back in for more sleep-related news.

[DailyFreePress.com]

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Are Sleep Apnea Sufferers More Susceptible to Heart Disease?

Anyone who has dealt with sleep apnea knows just how deep of a toll it can take on the body. It causes you to lose sleep, making you tired, and all while reducing one’s restfulness in the process. Over time, this can lead to added stress and a deeper level of misunderstanding as to what’s actually taking place within your body. 

With the results of a recent study, however, there might be far more taking place beneath the surface. According to the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, it also makes you more susceptible to cardiac arrest. Due to the continued stress sleep apnea can cause, folks reach a higher level of potential heart damage. Specifically, high blood pressure, stroke, and even heart failure. 

The study also shows the main correlation between the two conditions comes directly from the lack of sleep. Paired with stress, and the two side effects only continue to feed off one another, only worsening their effects. In contrast, regular rest and a stress-free environment leads to better heart health overall. Factors that work to lengthen its lifespan on a daily basis.  

If you’re concerned about your chances at heart disease from sleep apnea, schedule a time to talk to your doctor. Or read up on the study to learn just how much you could be affected. It’s also a good idea to talk to your sleep specialist or sleep apnea doctor to ensure you’re taking the best steps possible to keep your symptoms at bay. By working to eliminate this disease, you can work to reduce your chances at heart disease. While gaining some much needed sleep along the way. [Montgomery Advertiser]

Get started and open up the conversation on sleep apnea to better your health and sleep practices today. 

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