If you have rheumatoid arthritis, chances are you have a hard time getting good sleep at night. While your autoimmune condition definitely contributes to this, there could be another disorder to blame: sleep apnea. Studies show that 50% or more of patients with rheumatoid arthritis also struggle with sleep apnea!
To learn more about the connection between these two health issues, keep reading.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
The most common type of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when over-relaxed oral tissue or jaw misalignment prevents oxygen from flowing through the airway smoothly. When you lay down at night, the reduced oxygen levels make you wake up, disturbing your sleep cycle.
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as an autoimmune disorder. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is the result of simple wear, tear, and age, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks your body’s tissue. The result is often chronic inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.
A Case of Overlapping Risk Factors
If you were to put sleep apnea and rheumatoid arthritis on a Venn diagram, the part where their two circles overlap would have a lot of risk factors in it. While not everyone who has sleep apnea develops rheumatoid arthritis and vice-versa, it’s clear that they share many of the same triggers. Experts believe this is why those with rheumatoid arthritis have such high rates of sleep apnea.
Here’s a deeper look into how their risk factors connect:
- Inflammation. This immune system response can make tissue in the oral cavity swell and create an airway blockage that can contribute or worsen sleep apnea. Inflammation also occurs as a direct result of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Obesity. Gaining weight can sometimes increase the amount of obstructive oral tissue, which is why it can cause sleep apnea in some patients. The effects of rheumatoid arthritis, meanwhile, can make it more difficult to stay active and manage weight fluctuations.
- Anatomical Abnormalities. A retracted lower jaw, reduced upper airway size, and other physical irregularities are prevalent in both patients with sleep apnea and patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Anxiety. It’s hard to get good rest when you have a lot on your mind, and ironically, fitful sleep can exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms. If you’ve recently received a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, you might feel more stressed than usual.
So, could you blame poor sleep quality on sleep apnea if you have rheumatoid arthritis? You certainly could! Since the risk is high, it’s worth getting a sleep study and consulting with your sleep dentist about treatment. Managing your sleep apnea symptoms could very well be the key to finally getting a good night’s rest!
About the Author
Dr. David R. Lloyd is an American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine-qualified dentist with several articles published in reputable journals. As an experienced sleep dentist in Daytona Beach, he’d be happy to help you find an effective treatment solution for your sleep apnea. To contact his office and schedule a consultation, call 386-253-0115.