Is there a link?

Sleep apnea risk factors

PTSD and sleep

Treatment

Summary

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may affect sleep in several ways, including increasing the risk of sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

PTSD is a mental health condition that may develop due to a past traumatic event. It can cause a variety of symptoms, such as flashbacks of the traumatic event, feeling on edge, and anxiety. It may also affect sleep.

OSA involves brief pauses in breathing during sleep. It occurs when the muscles in the neck and head, such as the tongue, block the airway, cutting off airflow.

The article below examines whether there is a link between PTSD and sleep apnea, risk factors for sleep apnea, other ways PTSD may affect sleep, and treatment options for both conditions. Westend61/Getty Images PTSD and sleep apnea often occur separately. However, there also appears to be a link between the two conditions.A 2022 narrative review found that the incidence of OSA is higher in people who have PTSD than in those who do not.Researchers do not completely understand the exact reason why individuals with PTSD appear to have an increased risk of developing sleep apnea. Different regions of the brain play a role in sleep-wake regulation and the anxiety response. However, these different areas of the brain interact.Future research will continue to examine how this interaction may work.Certain factors increase a person’s risk of developing sleep apnea, including the following: Older age: The risk of sleep apnea increases as a person ages. Male sex assigned at birth: Males are more likely to experience sleep apnea than females. They are also more likely to experience severe symptoms and develop the condition at a younger age. Family history: Having a family history of sleep apnea or certain genetic disorders may increase the risk of developing the condition. Changes in hormone levels: This may relate to endocrine disorders or occur due to other health factors. Obesity : This condition may lead to increased fat deposits in the neck, which may lead to more frequent airway obstruction. Heart failure […]

What to know about PTSD and sleep apnea