Understanding the Connection Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sleep Apnea

Aches, pains, and poor sleep can work together to make your life miserable! Sadly, many people deal with such issues on a daily basis. They may suffer from both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Why do these two conditions coexist in so many cases, and is there anything you can do to start enjoying higher-quality sleep? This blog post provides some helpful information.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sleep Apnea Have a Strong Correlation

RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes a person’s own body to attack itself. It is particularly damaging to the joints. OSA, on the other hand, is a disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. It occurs when loose tissues in the upper airway block the free flow of oxygen.

While these two issues may seem to be unrelated at first, research has actually found a strong connection between them. For example, a 2016 study found that occurrences of sleep apnea were 75% higher in individuals with RA than in those without it. Separate research, which was published in 2009, found a 50% higher rate of OSA in people with RA.

Why Are RA and OSA Connected?

Researchers have not yet been able to draw any firm conclusions about why OSA and RA are so strongly correlated with one another. However, there are a number of possible explanations:

• Individuals with RA may experience degradation of their TMJs (the joints that control the lower jaw), which play an important part in airway function.
• RA can cause the spaces between the cervical vertebrae to become narrower, which can worsen the severity of OSA.
• RA leads to increased production of inflammatory cytokines (cells that send signals to other cells). This may interfere with sleep regulation.
• Overweight and obesity are strong risk factors for both RA and OSA, so it is common to find both conditions in individuals who carry a lot of extra fatty tissue on their body.

What Can You Do?

Of course, your primary care physician may have suggestions on how you can manage your RA. However, it is also worth talking to a sleep expert about the quality of your nightly rest. For example, a qualified dentist can evaluate your symptoms and let you know whether you should be tested for OSA. If you are diagnosed with it, you can learn about your treatment options.

The good news is that OSA is easy to treat in most cases. You may find success with something as simple as a custom oral appliance, which slightly repositions the jaw in order to facilitate uninterrupted breathing.

OSA and RA often go hand in hand! Keep an eye on the quality of your sleep so you can pursue professional care if necessary.

Meet the Practice

Drs. Bob and Heather Heil are proud to serve the Freedom, WI, community. Along with our team, they are proud to help patients recognize the signs of OSA and find a treatment solution that works for them. If you are concerned about the quality of your sleep, we invite you to come in for a personalized consultation. Contact Dental Expressions at 920-788-6280.