Could Sleep Apnea Be Affecting Your Memory?
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or suspect you might have it, you’re probably already aware of the daytime drowsiness and loud snoring that come with the condition. But recent research suggests there may be something more serious at stake: your long-term brain health.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the muscles in your throat relax too much during sleep, blocking your airway. Each time this occurs, your brain briefly wakes you up to resume breathing—often without you even realizing it.
These interruptions can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, preventing you from getting the deep, restorative sleep your body and brain need.
The brain connection
Scientists have found some concerning links between untreated sleep apnea and cognitive problems. When your breathing stops during sleep, your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. Over time, these repeated drops in oxygen levels may damage brain cells and affect how your brain functions.
People with sleep apnea often report problems with memory, attention, and decision-making. They might forget appointments, struggle to concentrate at work, or have difficulty learning new information. While some of these issues come from simple sleep deprivation, research suggests the damage may go deeper.
What the research shows
Multiple studies have found connections between sleep apnea and an increased risk of cognitive decline later in life. Some research indicates that people with untreated sleep apnea may develop memory problems and thinking difficulties at an earlier age than those without the condition.
Brain imaging studies have revealed that sleep apnea can lead to changes in brain structure, particularly in areas responsible for memory and executive function. The hippocampus, which plays a crucial role in forming new memories, appears especially vulnerable.
There’s also emerging evidence linking sleep apnea to a higher risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, though researchers are still working to fully understand this relationship.
Why does this happen?
Several factors may explain how sleep apnea affects cognitive health:
Oxygen deprivation. Each time your breathing stops, less oxygen reaches your brain. Over years, that can damage neurons and impair brain function.
Disrupted sleep. Sleep apnea prevents you from spending enough time in deep sleep and REM sleep—the stages when your brain consolidates memories and clears out toxic waste products.
Inflammation and stress. The repeated cycle of oxygen drops and sleep interruptions triggers inflammation and stress responses throughout your body, including in your brain.
Cardiovascular effects. Sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure and other heart problems, which can reduce blood flow to the brain over time.
The good news
While the connection between sleep apnea and cognitive decline sounds alarming, there’s an encouraging silver lining: Treatment may help protect your brain.
Studies suggest that using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine—the most common treatment for sleep apnea—can improve cognitive function and may even slow or reverse some of the damage. CPAP keeps your airway open during sleep, ensuring steady oxygen flow to your brain throughout the night.
Other treatments, such as oral appliances, lifestyle changes, or surgery in some cases, may also help protect cognitive health by addressing the underlying sleep disorder.
What you can do
If you snore loudly, wake up gasping for air, or feel exhausted despite sleeping a full night, talk to your doctor about sleep apnea. Common warning signs include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Pauses in breathing witnessed by a bed partner
- Waking up with a dry mouth or headache
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Problems with concentration and memory
Getting diagnosed typically involves a sleep study, which can be done in a sleep lab or sometimes at home. If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, sticking with your treatment plan is crucial—not just for better sleep tonight, but for protecting your brain health in the years to come.
If you have sleep apnea or think you might, don’t ignore it. By addressing the problem now, you’re not just investing in better sleep—you’re investing in your long-term brain health.
The information in this article is not intended to replace the advice of your health care provider. Talk to your doctor if you are having sleep-related problems.
