Sleep apnea is a medically significant disorder which merits treatment. Here, we look at the basics of this disorder, and then we discuss five supplements which could physiologically prepare and support the body to combat the symptoms and complications of sleep apnea.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is the name for a potentially serious sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing stops intermittently during sleep. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), wherein the throat muscles relax and cause a blockage of air flow into the lungs. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is another form sleep apnea, one in which the brain doesn’t send the right signals to control breathing during sleep.
Sleep apnea is medically significant, meriting medical attention and often treatment. This is primarily because of the complications of sleep apnea, which can include persistent daytime fatigue, an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart complications, increased risk of developing type II diabetes, and more.
There are presenting symptoms for sleep apnea, as well. These include snoring, gasping during sleep, insomnia, morning headache, and, of course, fatigue and daytime sleepiness. Nighttime pauses in the breathing pattern cause gasping and interruptions to sleep, so sleep apnea is certainly disruptive when symptoms occur. For all of these reasons, there is a great reason to reduce the nighttime symptoms of sleep apnea by any means possible.
Supplements for Those with Sleep Apnea
Certain nutrients have properties that can be of particular physiological benefit to those with sleep apnea. Some of these help the body endure the daytime fatigue of sleep apnea, while others can help prevent symptoms and improve sleep.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to sleep apnea, according to research in recent years. Scientists are still studying this relationship in order to better understand it, but there is a clear relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea. Research has also begun to show that vitamin D supplementation could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in those with obstructive sleep apnea.
L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid which could help treat sleep apnea as well as insomnia. L-tryptophan is necessary for the production of serotonin, a critical neurotransmitter. Evidence suggests that taking l-tryptophan could decrease the episodes of sleep apnea in those who experience periodic sleep apnea symptoms. It could also reduce the length of time it takes to fall asleep.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a semi-essential amino acid with the potential to help those with obstructive sleep apnea. Supplementing with NAC could reduce the symptoms of OSA, according to some research.
Probiotics, which are positive gut-healthy bacteria, could be beneficial in the long term for those who struggle with sleep apnea. Supplementing with probiotic bacteria could reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues such as hypertension in those with sleep apnea. This is meaningful, because the long-term ramifications of sleep apnea to the heart can be detrimental. Introducing these healthy bacteria into the gut can support the heart health of someone with CSA and provide a litany of other health benefits.
Vitamin B12, like a probiotic supplement, could diminish the chances of cardiovascular complications in those with sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, it’s important to get enough vitamin B12. This is because deficiency in vitamin B12 leads to increased levels of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, which can compound the stress on arteries that can come from the sleep difficulties associated with sleep apnea.
If you or someone close to you struggles with sleep apnea, even occasionally, then it’s worth it to explore every avenue of mitigating symptoms, and preserving your long-term health. Consider how these supplemental nutrients could help. It’s recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement for the first time.