Sleep News

Sleep apnoea linked to reduced grey matter concentration

People who have obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) have an increased chance of having a lower density of grey matter in their brain, according to a new study.

Seung Bong Hong, professor of neurology and the principal investigator at the Samsung Medical Center in Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, conducted the tests and concluded that the density was much reduced but could not determine which condition caused the other to manifest.

Gray matter is where most information processing in the brain takes place and is a layer of tissue that coats the surface of the cerebrum and the cerebellum, coloured as it is due to the lack of myelin insulation which makes other parts of the brain look white.

Professor Hong said: "Poor sleep quality and progressive brain damage induced by OSA could be responsible for poor memory, emotional problems, decreased cognitive functioning and increased cardiovascular disturbances."

He added that the use of continuous positive airway pressure therapy could stop these issues.

The British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association explains that OSA is defined as the cessation of airflow when in bed asleep, preventing air from entering the lungs caused by an obstruction.

Posted by Michael Ewing