Dear Dr. Rosenberg,
Is it true that Sleep Apnea increases the risk of stroke? If so how?
Yes, a recent study from Spain showed that in a group of untreated patients with sleep apnea, the risk was two to three times normal. The causes are multiple, but the development of hypertension and the loss of the brain’s ability to control its own blood flow seem to be major contributing factors in those with sleep apnea.
Dear Dr. Rosenberg,
Is it true that a lack of sleep can contribute to a heart attack? My husband has never slept more than 5 hours since we were married. He had a heart attack last year at the age of 44.
Yes, unfortunately it can. In a recent study it was found that short sleepers had a higher rate of coronary calcification on CT scans. Coronary calcification is considered a marker for inflammation and narrowing of the arteries that bring blood to the heart. Interestingly, in another study, increasing sleep by one hour per night resulted in a 33% drop in calcification. So the take away message is that lack of sleep can contribute to heart attacks. I would encourage your husband to change his sleep habits.
Dear Dr. Rosenberg,
I have a 7 year old with sleep apnea. He had his tonsils and adenoids removed but still has sleep apnea. His doctor wants him to return to the sleep lab and wear a CPAP mask. Can a 7 year old do this? I’m very skeptical.
Yes, they can. The success rate of wearing a CPAP mask in children has been substantial. It has improved because of new techniques being utilized. In our center we bring children in for a mask fitting well in advance of the actual study. We instruct the parent on how to apply the mask. We utilize techniques such as allowing the child to play with the mask or placing it in a toy box. We then encourage the parents to apply the mask while the child is watching television, being read to, or getting into bed. We want to create a positive association with wearing the mask. We then schedule a sleep study in the lab when the parent lets us know the child is comfortable wearing the mask.
Dear Dr. Rosenberg,
I am taking a drug called Adderall for ADD. I find that I am having a lot of trouble falling and staying asleep since I started taking it. Is this a coincidence?
Probably not. Adderall is a type of amphetamine drug. These drugs are psycho stimulants that stimulate the Central Nervous system and the peripheral sympathetic nervous system. They have been found to be very effective in ADD as well as disorders characterized by excessive sleepiness such as Narcolepsy. However, if taken too late or on a long-term basis, they can result in insomnia. Other side effects include elevated heart rate, blood pressure, loss of appetite and anxiety. So if this continues I would discuss it with your prescribing health care provider.
