{"id":472,"date":"2024-02-11T01:46:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-11T01:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.isleepsolutions.com\/blog\/?p=472"},"modified":"2024-03-11T01:50:54","modified_gmt":"2024-03-11T01:50:54","slug":"can-rheumatoid-arthritis-cause-sleep-apnea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.isleepsolutions.com\/blog\/can-rheumatoid-arthritis-cause-sleep-apnea\/","title":{"rendered":"Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Rheumatoid Arthritis"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ComparisonRheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that causes several symptoms that can affect your quality of life, like pain in your joints, swelling, weight loss, fever, and fatigue. If you\u2019re finding it difficult to make it through your day without more caffeine, your ongoing fatigue may be a sign of another condition. Sleep apnea<\/a> and rheumatoid arthritis can go hand in hand. Here\u2019s what you need to know to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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What is Sleep Apnea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that causes frequent breathing disruptions while sleeping. The soft tissues in the back of the mouth and tongue can collapse to block the airway as your muscles relax. This can lead to hundreds of pauses in breathing every night. Not only does this affect your sleep quality, but it also depletes your body of oxygen. With no treatment, you can be at risk of several serious health issues, like cardiovascular disease, poor mental health, diabetes, and sleep deprivation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked to Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Several factors can increase a person’s risk of sleep apnea, like obesity or a large neck circumference. However, new research has found a connection between sleep apnea and rheumatoid arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The autoimmune disease causes widespread pain, swelling, and stiffness of joints, but 57% of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers also experience insomnia. Although chronic pain is a leading cause of sleepless nights, rheumatoid arthritis can increase your risk of sleep apnea by 75%. The autoimmune disorder can cause structural abnormalities of the spine, neck, and head, like an underdeveloped lower jaw, reduction of airway size, or narrowing of the cervical vertebrae. Airway restrictions can lead to obstructive sleep apnea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treating Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Better nights\u2019 rest are possible with sleep apnea treatment. You have multiple options to treat the breathing disorder, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n