Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a serious autoimmune condition that, according to some estimates, afflicts well over a million people across the United States. Individuals who have it are forced to suffer from ongoing joint pain and inflammation. Sadly, their sleep may also be affected. In fact, there is reason to believe that RA can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea. Just how are these conditions connected to each other? Continue reading this blog post to discover important information.
RA and OSA: A Strong Correlation
The most common type of sleep apnea is known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It occurs when tissues in the throat over-relax and collapse into the upper airway. This causes repeated pauses in breathing, which can occur dozens or even hundreds of times in a single night.
OSA can have quite a few different causes, including a large neck size, chronic nasal congestion, large tonsils, and more. RA may also increase the risk. In fact, researchers have found that individuals with RA have up to a 75% higher rate of sleep apnea than the general population.
What Explains the Connection?
Some factors that contribute to the strong correlation between RA and OSA include:
- Tissue and joint deterioration: As RA worsens, it can lead to joint deformities and bone erosion. These issues can affect the entire body, including the jaw joints. If they are damaged or malformed, the upper airway may become narrower.
- Inflammation: RA leads to elevated levels of TNF, an inflammatory substance within the body. Many people with OSA also show higher than usual levels of TNF.
- Obesity: Excess body fat is common among both people with RA and those with OSA. It serves as an underlying risk factor that could play a role in the onset and overall severity of both conditions.
What Can You Do?
Unfortunately, no cure exists for RA. However, your medical team can help you manage it via medication, physiotherapy, and other approaches. In fact, many patients are able to live fairly comfortably after they adapt certain lifestyle habits.
As you strive to reduce its impact on your life, you should also think seriously about undergoing a sleep test to find out if you have OSA. This is especially important if you experience symptoms like chronic snoring, daytime exhaustion, and observed pauses in breathing. If you are diagnosed with OSA, something as simple as a custom oral appliance from a dentist may help you to breathe better at night and lead to improved overall health. Patients with RA generally find these mouthpieces to be easy to use and tolerate.
RA and OSA are a troubling combination, but the good news is that both conditions can be managed. Talk to your care team to learn more about your options for elevating your quality of life.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Justin Elikofer is an experienced sleep dentist and a Diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Under his leadership, our team aims to help patients minimize sleep apnea symptoms and maximize their quality of life. If you have OSA or even suspect you have it, we are ready to guide you on your next steps. To learn more or request a consultation, contact Breathe Sleep Center at 813-544-2719.
