Link Between Sleep Apnea and PCOS

 As many of you know I have PCOS and a friend shared this with me.  Interesting read.

~Rebecca

 

Snoring, Sleep Apnea, and PCOS

By: Paula Ryder (View Profile)
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common disorders of the female endocrine system. It is estimated that 5–10 percent of all women and as many as 17 percent of Hispanic women struggle with PCOS symptoms. Characterized by an abnormally high level of the male hormone, testosterone, irregular periods, infertility and insulin resistance, research is now showing that these hormone imbalances may also predispose women with PCOS to additional health problems (1).

One such problem is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the involuntary closure of the upper airway which causes one to stop breathing while sleeping (2). Sufferers are typically not awakened by the repeated nightly episodes, but others awake with the experience of being choked or asphyxiated. Symptoms of Sleep Apnea include: chronic loud snoring, gasping/choking episodes during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and personality changes (3).

In the past, excessive snoring and sputtering was fertile ground for jokes, but researchers have discovered that Sleep Apnea is no joking matter. Individuals with Sleep Apnea are three times more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents. They are less productive workers and can exhibit problems associated with poor memory and judgment. They are more likely to suffer depression and other psychiatric disorders and they are prone to a series of chronic diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, cancers and cardiovascular disease (4).

This connection between sleep disruption and chronic disease is being rigorously investigated. Science tells us that the true purpose of sleep is not entirely understood. It appears to fulfill certain important physiological functions such as restoration, neurological development and maintenance, memory consolidation, physical growth and maturation and immune system strengthening (5). Sleep is fundamental to the proper functioning of these systems (and likely others) which sustain our health and sense of well being. Sleep disruption can therefore, negatively affect and/or inhibit the most basic physiological functioning, causing a ripple-effect throughout the body.

Sleep Apnea, PCOS, and Insulin Resistance
It is not surprising then, that researchers have discovered that Sleep Apnea may be connected to the same hormone imbalances within the endocrine system that result in other PCOS symptoms.

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Via http://www.divinecaroline.com/22181/45438-snoring-sleep-apnea-pcos#ixzz1l18gj5S9