The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Rheumatoid Arthritis

As with sleep apnea, the condition itself can be categorized by two different types: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. The most common of these two classifications is obstructive sleep apnea, and is said to be more frequent in men than in women (as is the case for both the types of sleep apnea). The sleep disorder is essentially when a patient is not able to breathe normally while sleeping. More specifically, the individual's breathing is disrupted, resulting in irregular breath patterns. This occurrence means that the brain is not able to get the proper amount of oxygen it needs, posing potential risks for anyone who experiences sleep apnea, not matter the type.

In the case of obstructive sleep apnea, the cause stems from a blockage of the patient’s airways.  This can be the result of collapsed soft tissue being present in the back of the throat.  Central sleep apnea on the other hand does not have to do with blocked airways, but rather the brain’s inability to signal the muscles to breath.  This ultimately stems from an instability within what is known as the respiratory control center.  The symptoms associated with this type of sleep apnea can include difficulty staying asleep, chest pain at night, inability to concentrate, shortness of breath while lying down, and waking up abruptly.