Link found between sleep apnea and RA and other auto-immune diseases. Could it also include PSA?

General
1

I found a fascinating article linking sleep apnea to RA and some other auto-immune diseases. I'm wondering if it might also be linked to PsA? I'm willing to bet a lot of you suffer from it.

Article:

Heavy snorers 'face double the risk' of rheumatoid arthritis

  • Sleep apnoea was linked to increase in risk of autoimmune disorders, where body attacks healthy tissues

By Pat Hagan

PUBLISHED: 03:25 EST, 28 June 2012 | UPDATED: 03:34 EST, 28 June 2012

Snoring heavily almost doubles the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, a new study shows.

Researchers found patients diagnosed with the snoring-related condition sleep apnoea were nearly twice as likely to suffer the joint-damaging disease.

The discovery, which comes from research carried out in Taiwan, is something of a surprise as rheumatoid arthritis - which affects around 350,000 people in the UK - is thought to be triggered when something goes wrong with the immune system.

An estimated three million people in Britain suffer with sleep apnoea, though many more may remain undiagnosed

At risk: An estimated three million people in Britain suffer with sleep apnoea, though many more may remain undiagnosed

The same study found a similar increase in the risk of other so-called autoimmune disorders, where the body’s defences start to attack healthy tissues.

Scientists said they believe the explanation lies in the fact that chronic sleep apnoea can lead to inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body, which may act as a catalyst for arthritis.

Although previous studies have suggested sleep apnoea may raise the risk of heart attacks, the latest investigation is the first to show a link with arthritis.

An estimated three million people in Britain suffer with sleep apnoea, though many more may remain undiagnosed.

More...

As sleep begins, the muscles in the airway relax. For most people this does not pose a problem but in sleep apnoea, it leads to a complete collapse which shuts off breathing for at least ten seconds.

It also disrupts breathing and triggers the sound of snoring as air vibrates against the soft tissue that stands in its way.

Once the brain realises breathing has stopped it sends out a signal for the airway muscles to contract again.

This opens the airway and the sufferer normally wakes with a jolt. In mild sleep apnoea, this can happen about once every ten minutes. If it’s severe, it means sleep can be disturbed every couple of minutes.

Very few people remember waking up at all because they fall asleep again within seconds.

Yet the cumulative effect is that they feel exhausted during the day, putting them at increased risk of accidents. Being overweight is one of the major risk factors.

In the latest study, by experts at the Taipei Medical University, 1,411 sleep apnoea patients were compared to a 7,000-strong group of healthy adults.

Over a five-year period, researchers monitored how many in each group went on to develop rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and systemic lupus erythematous - all conditions where the immune system goes haywire and causes swollen, painful joints and flu-like symptoms.

The results, published in the journal Sleep Medicine, showed the snoring-affected group were 91 per cent more likely to develop one of the three conditions.

However, the researchers stressed that the absolute risk of falling ill was still small. Out of the snoring patients, only 2.91 percent experienced arthritis-related problems.

In a report on their findings the researchers said: ‘Our study is the first to investigate the association between sleep apnoea and the development of autoimmune diseases.

‘We think this may have gone unnoticed in clinical settings because these cases are relatively rare and may not be reported.

‘But the potential link between these two conditions should not be overlooked. Among the diseases we studied, rheumatoid arthritis had the highest risk of developing in sleep apnoea patients.’

As well as inflamed and swollen joints, arthritis sufferers also experience flu-like symptoms. In very severe cases, they can end up crippled and unable to live a full life.

But diagnosing the condition can be difficult as the early signs can be as innocuous as a slight stiffness in hand joints, often early in the morning.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2165879/Heavy-snorers-face-double-risk-arthritis.html#ixzz1z7IhellS

2

Thanks, Petunia Girl, I would say that anything is possible, but, to me, 2.91% of all snoring patients that experienced arthritis related problems may have had the genetic link to RA or Autoimmune disease. I don't know! Not sure I can agree with that or not... I do thank you for posting it for us, Pet!

3

Well it sounds like they're only just beginning to realize there's a relationship so perhaps in time they'll find more snorers with the link. It's not like people with sleep apnea are asked if they have RA or other diseases. It would be interesting to see how many PsA people do have sleep apnea. I think this is an interesting link/find.

4

Me too, Pet, very interesting. You do seem to meet more and more people with sleep apnea, far more of those than Psoriatic Arthritis patients. I don't know of any of those other than here. But you are right, they are just beginning to look at this, and may find a link. I seem to think that it takes something to 'wake up the PsA' and sleep problems could be it for some. I never really thought I had any sleep problems until the PsA woke up and hit hard as a result of a car accident. I feel my sleep problems are pain related, but not sure.

5

For me the PsA symptoms came before the Sleep Apnea - At least I think so. Wonder how many of us on this board have OSA as well as PsA. I know the daily fatigue I feel is coming from both the issues - btw, the OSA was just diagnosed. I'm wondering how much better I'll start feeling once I start the treatment.

6

Exactly, some mechanism woke it up and got it going. And sleep is so integral to the body's healing and rejuvenating. I know that sleep plays some part of it (delta waves affected from lack of sleep) but it would be interesting to see how MUCH it impacts people. After all, the auto-immune diseases seem to all come crowding in once the flood gates are open. Why? What is the common denominantor? Could it be our sleep patterns?


SK said:

Me too, Pet, very interesting. You do seem to meet more and more people with sleep apnea, far more of those than Psoriatic Arthritis patients. I don't know of any of those other than here. But you are right, they are just beginning to look at this, and may find a link. I seem to think that it takes something to 'wake up the PsA' and sleep problems could be it for some. I never really thought I had any sleep problems until the PsA woke up and hit hard as a result of a car accident. I feel my sleep problems are pain related, but not sure.

7


I think it would be interesting to do a poll. No names needed, just votes as to who has sleep apnea. I mean, we're talking about 3 right here. How many more of them are out there? It might give a much truer insight as to the link between PsA and OSA once lots of PsA people are polled. And let's not forget those other auto-immune people too. Fascinating story and I'm sensing there is a link and its going to end up being a strong one.


susan r said:

For me the PsA symptoms came before the Sleep Apnea - At least I think so. Wonder how many of us on this board have OSA as well as PsA. I know the daily fatigue I feel is coming from both the issues - btw, the OSA was just diagnosed. I'm wondering how much better I'll start feeling once I start the treatment.

8

Could be Pet, I thought it was the car accident, but that accident may have been the first thing to have changed my sleep patterns. Never know, you could just have something here!

Petunia Girl said:

Exactly, some mechanism woke it up and got it going. And sleep is so integral to the body's healing and rejuvenating. I know that sleep plays some part of it (delta waves affected from lack of sleep) but it would be interesting to see how MUCH it impacts people. After all, the auto-immune diseases seem to all come crowding in once the flood gates are open. Why? What is the common denominantor? Could it be our sleep patterns?


SK said:

Me too, Pet, very interesting. You do seem to meet more and more people with sleep apnea, far more of those than Psoriatic Arthritis patients. I don't know of any of those other than here. But you are right, they are just beginning to look at this, and may find a link. I seem to think that it takes something to 'wake up the PsA' and sleep problems could be it for some. I never really thought I had any sleep problems until the PsA woke up and hit hard as a result of a car accident. I feel my sleep problems are pain related, but not sure.

9

I'll say no to apnea, but yes to sleep problems, from pain and stiffness. My husband has been diagnosed with sleep apnea and has diabetes, but his Dad had both, may be a factor, may not be, but there are links of two people I know well.

10

Interesting how sleep apnea also shows up in diabetes, another auto-immune disease. Curiouser and curiouser, SK.

11

Don't know what is the horse and what is the cart, but I gotta tell you, I went few days without my machine and I could feel it. I've been trying to convince SK screwed up sleep screws up the rest. In any event for a about aten dollar bill, you can find out. They can put arecording oximeter on your finger plug it into a PC and give you a read out of the whole time you don't need a sleep center study. If you have some dips you can go from there. Before you go the cpap route if you do have an indication ask to try supplemental oxygen first. And repeat the oximeter test. Tw reasons its cheaper tha the sleepcenter (not all insurance covers it) and oxygen really helps with pain. I'm used to the cpap (I'm also used to my ingrown toe nail) but if can avoid it with just some Oxygen, its better. Red Bull and Oxygen together will male you think its the sixties again......

12

lol! Red bull and oxygen, and sleep!

Seriously, do you use the oxygen that you breathe, or the kind that you drink?

13

If you are using Red Bull and Oxygen, you won't sleep...... But you will be so wired you don't care and the pain will be reduced.

You really need to get to Vegas for a weekend. Its the latest thing at the Oxygen bars, in fact they even have a bus going up and down the strip that in addition to Red bull the Oxygen will give you a Vitannin B drip. Supposed to cure a hang-over.... Course if give the little gal dressed in a naughty Nurses costume" 90 buck's for the cure you need to get something for your money.... But seriously they have an anesthesiologist on board who once on the bus, starts the treatment which can take less than an hour for a $90 basic IV of saline solution, B vitamins and vitamin C. A premium package, $150, includes two bags. For an extra fee, they will bring the treatment to your hotel room.

They also administers Ketorolac or Toradol for pain and Zofran, for nausea. (extra charge)

The red bull and oxygen is avaiable right across from Coyote Ugly in New York New York.

Seriously, I do have oxygen for sleep apnea and I does help with pain. I tried the Reb Bull and oxygen in Vegas ONCE (I needed the oxygen after one of my "buddies" pulled me into Coyote Ugly) I have never ridden the Hangover Heaven Bus, BUT the deluxe package if it includes the Toradol IV might be a bargain

14

Hi there,

My PsA started years before my sleep apnea. However, my first HUGE flare..which started this past December coincided with the sleep apnea getting so severe that I even knew I had it and I went to an ENT. My husband had been saying that I was stopping breathing at night but since it didn't wake me up I just kinda ignored him. The ENT did an airway test and saw that I was having collapse. They now want to do the sleep study but I like that $10
oximeter test idea better.
Petunia Girl said:


I think it would be interesting to do a poll. No names needed, just votes as to who has sleep apnea. I mean, we're talking about 3 right here. How many more of them are out there? It might give a much truer insight as to the link between PsA and OSA once lots of PsA people are polled. And let's not forget those other auto-immune people too. Fascinating story and I'm sensing there is a link and its going to end up being a strong one.


susan r said:

For me the PsA symptoms came before the Sleep Apnea - At least I think so. Wonder how many of us on this board have OSA as well as PsA. I know the daily fatigue I feel is coming from both the issues - btw, the OSA was just diagnosed. I'm wondering how much better I'll start feeling once I start the treatment.

15

lamb, you are such a delightful character! Your information and knowledge is priceless and your sardonic humor never fails to make me laugh out loud! I would lean more toward the Doctor, but my husband may like the naughty nurse! Ha!

16

Dear Anna, So sorry you have this battle, hope that you can find a good solution to help you.

AnnaMcF said:

Hi there,

My PsA started years before my sleep apnea. However, my first HUGE flare..which started this past December coincided with the sleep apnea getting so severe that I even knew I had it and I went to an ENT. My husband had been saying that I was stopping breathing at night but since it didn't wake me up I just kinda ignored him. The ENT did an airway test and saw that I was having collapse. They now want to do the sleep study but I like that $10
oximeter test idea better.
Petunia Girl said:


I think it would be interesting to do a poll. No names needed, just votes as to who has sleep apnea. I mean, we're talking about 3 right here. How many more of them are out there? It might give a much truer insight as to the link between PsA and OSA once lots of PsA people are polled. And let's not forget those other auto-immune people too. Fascinating story and I'm sensing there is a link and its going to end up being a strong one.


susan r said:

For me the PsA symptoms came before the Sleep Apnea - At least I think so. Wonder how many of us on this board have OSA as well as PsA. I know the daily fatigue I feel is coming from both the issues - btw, the OSA was just diagnosed. I'm wondering how much better I'll start feeling once I start the treatment.

17

LOL! I think I'll stick with the oxygen and pass on the Red Bull, lamb.

But I want to ask my doctor about the recording oxometer. I tried the sleep lab route and couldn't get a wink of sleep in there because it was freezing cold. But I do know I stop breathing at night and jerk awake all of a sudden, gasping for breath. I have an old cpap machine but hate it and never felt any more refreshed from it anyway.

That Vegas package sounds like something that Keith Richards might use after a drug binge or 12.



tntlamb said:

Don't know what is the horse and what is the cart, but I gotta tell you, I went few days without my machine and I could feel it. I've been trying to convince SK screwed up sleep screws up the rest. In any event for a about aten dollar bill, you can find out. They can put arecording oximeter on your finger plug it into a PC and give you a read out of the whole time you don't need a sleep center study. If you have some dips you can go from there. Before you go the cpap route if you do have an indication ask to try supplemental oxygen first. And repeat the oximeter test. Tw reasons its cheaper tha the sleepcenter (not all insurance covers it) and oxygen really helps with pain. I'm used to the cpap (I'm also used to my ingrown toe nail) but if can avoid it with just some Oxygen, its better. Red Bull and Oxygen together will male you think its the sixties again......

18

Wish we could afford his Doctors!

19

I have sleep Apnoea, this makes sense!!

20

For those of you with sleep apnea, my rheumatologist told me that going without using the C-PAP machine is actually damaging your body. I haven't used it because never felt refreshed from it but now know I'm going to have to bite the bullet and do so. I just wanted to let you know that feeling refreshed isn't the only reason to use it.