Scientists unveil a novel type of sleep disorder in fresh study
In a groundbreaking discovery, an international research team from Flinders University in Australia has identified a new form of sleep disorder called "social sleep apnea". This condition, characterized by breathing pauses typical of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurring more frequently on weekends, has been found to be linked to irregular weekend sleep patterns.
Sleep disorders are prevalent in many countries, including Germany, where irregular sleep routines and alcohol consumption are common causes. The study, involving over 70,000 people worldwide, published in the journal "American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine", reveals that poor sleep regularity, characterized by inconsistent sleep timing and poor sleep regularity, can contribute to the development or worsening of OSA indirectly by disrupting circadian rhythms and increasing overall health risks.
The research highlights that irregular sleep, not just total sleep duration, is strongly associated with adverse outcomes. People with irregular sleep have higher mortality and cardiovascular risks, which overlap with risk factors for OSA. The study also found that the risk of moderate to severe sleep apnea is 18% higher on weekends.
While the direct causal link between irregular weekend sleep patterns and the development of OSA specifically is not detailed in the available studies, the strong association of irregular sleep with metabolic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases provides a plausible connection. Poor sleep regularity is a recognized contributor to health risks, some of which are central in OSA pathophysiology.
To mitigate these risks, it is advised to maintain consistent sleep-wake timing, go to bed when tired, and wake up at the same time every day. Following prescribed OSA therapy consistently is also crucial. Sleep apnea, a widespread but often undiagnosed public health issue, affects an estimated one billion people worldwide, with men being more frequently affected (a 21% increase compared to women's 9%).
It's important to note that most clinical diagnostic tests for sleep apnea are conducted on a single night, usually on a weekday, not accounting for the weekend effect now called "social apnea". Lucia Pinilla, the lead author of the study, stated that sleep apnea's true extent has been underestimated.
The study has limitations, as participants were likely health-conscious and data on lifestyle factors like alcohol, exercise, caffeine consumption, or smoking was missing. Men were overrepresented in the study. Despite these limitations, the findings underscore the importance of maintaining regular sleep patterns, especially on weekends, to reduce the risk of sleep apnea and its associated health complications.
References:
[1] Knutson KL, et al. Sleep duration and mortality risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Sleep. 2019;42(3):zsz016.
[2] Irregular sleep duration and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. European Heart Journal. 2019;40(29):3015-3028.
[3] Irregular sleep patterns and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep. 2018;41(11):zsy042.
[4] Irregular sleep patterns and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Journal of Sleep Research. 2016;25(2):129-141.
- Science has revealed a connection between sleep disorders, such as social sleep apnea, and chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease, due to the disruptions in circadian rhythms caused by irregular sleep patterns.
- As irregular sleep routines and alcohol consumption are common causes of sleep disorders in Germany, the health and wellness community emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent sleep-wake timing to potentially reduce the risk of such disorders.
- Interestingly, the medical-conditions associated with sleep apnea overlap with those related to mental health, opening up possibilities for alternative treatments like CBD to alleviate some symptoms.
- Research on sleep apnea, including its connection to social sleep apnea and its impact on health risks, suggests that the true extent of this chronic disease has been underestimated, highlighting the need for further investigation in this field.
