The lack of oxygenation of the organs caused by sleep apnea increase the risk ofosteoporosis, according to a Taiwanese study published by the journal of the American Society of Endocrinology. Sleep apnea syndrome affects 5-7% of the general population, according to figures from the Institute of Health (Inserm). Concretely, the person stops breathing several times during the night because of the obstruction of his throat by his tongue and by the relaxation of the muscles of the pharynx. This disease increases the cardiovascular risks by the excessive discharge of adrenaline caused by the lack of oxygen. There is also a cerebral risk linked to the lack of short but repeated oxygenation during the nights, explains Inserm.
The Taiwanese researchers analyzed data from 13,000 apneic patients, comparing them to 20,655 patients without any sleep disorder, for six years. According to their results, the risk of osteoporosis is multiplied by 2.7 in people with sleep apnea. “When apnea periodically deprives the body of oxygen, it can weaken bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis. A condition that can lead to bone fractures, increased medical costs, reduced quality of life and even death, “says Kai-Jen Tien, one of the study’s authors, reported by the Figaro.
Two different theories
These results contradict a French study published in 2013 by the journal Sleep. After observing 833 people over the age of 65 who were not known to have osteoporosis or apnea, the researchers found that apneics suffered less from osteoporosis. “In reality, through this research, two theories clash”, analyzes the Figaro. On the one hand, the theory according to which chronic inflammation of apneic patients promotes the destruction of bones, on the other, that the lack of oxygen stimulates osteogenesis and promotes vascularization.
Further studies will be necessary to decide. In the meantime, people suffering from sleep apnea syndrome have every interest in seeking treatment in order to limit the consequences on their cardiovascular system.
