Scientists Warn Sleep Apnea Is Damaging to Brain Function

(Newswire.net — May 27, 2022) Orlando, FL — The number of studies investigating the factors that affect brain function and health continues to grow. In addition to dietary and lifestyle factors, scientists found certain conditions may also affect the brain.

A study was carried out by the researchers from UCLA School of Nursing.

In this study, it has been found that in individuals with sleep apnea, there are changes in two key brain chemicals. 

It is worth noting that one in 15 adults suffers from moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. This is a disorder in which a person’s breathing is frequently interrupted during sleep, which can be as many as 30 times per hour.

It is worth noting that individuals with sleep apnea also have issues with thinking. These include stress, depression, poor concentration, difficulty with memory, and decision-making.

The findings of this interesting research were published in the Journal of Sleep Research.

The investigators revealed that those with sleep apnea have shown significant changes in the levels of two essential brain chemicals. 

This, according to the researchers, may be a reason that a number of sufferers experience symptoms affecting their day-to-day lives.

In this study, the UCLA researchers looked into the levels of the neurotransmitters called glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid, known as GABA. These are usually found in a brain region called the insula, which integrates signals from higher brain regions to regulate thinking, emotion, and physical functions such as perspiration and blood pressure.

The investigators found that those with sleep apnea had reduced levels of GABA and unusually high levels of glutamate. It is worth noting that this chemical messenger called GABA acts as an 

inhibitor in the brain, which can delay things down and help to keep people calm — like a brake pedal. 

Further, experts say that GABA affects mood and helps make endorphins. 

“In previous studies, we’ve seen structural changes in the brain due to sleep apnea, but in this study, we actually found substantial differences in these two chemicals that influence how the brain is working,” said Paul Macey.

Macey is the lead researcher on the study and an associate professor at the UCLA School of Nursing.

More studies are still being conducted to investigate the ways to remove threats to brain health and improve it. It is worth realizing that in some studies, it has been found the use of remedies like curcumin may be helpful.

It can be obtained through the use of formulas like VitaBreeze Curcumin, which is not just highly potent but also contains black pepper. This formula could deliver curcumin’s brain health and anti-inflammatory benefits. (www.amazon.com/Turmeric-Curcumin-Complex-Pepper-Extract/dp/B00JA4TLTI/)