Most people are familiar with sleep problems; everyone has a restless night from time to time. But certain groups are at a higher risk of ongoing issues. In fact, one study from 2016 even showed that people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a 75% higher incidence rate of sleep apnea than in those without RA. What explains this connection, and what can you do to protect your nightly rest if you have RA? This blog post provides valuable information.
Why Are People with Rheumatoid Arthritis More Likely to Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
The relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be due to one or more of the following factors:
- Structural differences in the head, neck, and spine: RA is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own tissues. This often leads to changes in the joints and bones, which can affect the anatomy of the airway. For example, in some cases, RA can cause deformities in the cervical spine, leading to compression or narrowing of the airway.
- Chronic inflammation: Inflammation is a hallmark of RA, and this systemic inflammatory state can contribute to the development of OSA. Inflammation in the upper airway tissues may cause swelling, further narrowing the airway and making it more prone to collapse during sleep.
- Obesity: Obesity is a well-known risk factor for OSA, and it frequently coexists with RA. Steroid medications, often prescribed for RA management, can contribute to weight gain, while joint pain and limited mobility may make it difficult for you to maintain an active lifestyle. Excess weight, particularly around the neck, can increase pressure on the airway and further raise the likelihood of OSA.
How Can You Improve the Quality of Your Sleep?
Getting high-quality sleep is essential for individuals with RA to manage their symptoms and overall well-being. Here are some strategies that might help:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Work with a healthcare provider to develop a balanced diet and exercise plan that supports weight management. This can help reduce pressure on the airway and alleviate joint stress.
- Manage inflammation: Follow prescribed treatment plans to control RA-related inflammation. This may include medications, physical therapy, or alternative therapies recommended by your doctor.
- Adjust your sleep position: Sleeping on your side may help prevent airway collapse. Using a supportive pillow that aligns the neck and spine may also reduce discomfort and improve breathing during sleep.
- Seek professional sleep apnea treatment: A custom oral appliance from a dentist can help to keep your airway open during sleep, which can prevent pauses in breathing and allow you to fully benefit from your nightly rest.
- Address joint pain before bedtime: Apply heat or cold packs to painful joints, use topical pain relievers, or consider a warm bath to ease discomfort and make it easier to fall asleep.
Unfortunately, RA can lessen the quality of your sleep! Use the above tips and work with your medical team to manage your condition as effectively as possible.
Meet the Practice
At Washington Dental Care West Loop, our highly skilled team is proud to provide oral appliance therapy for the Chicago community. We use our advanced CBCT machine to understand each patient’s airway and provide customized treatment. If you believe you could benefit from sleep apnea therapy, contact our office at 312-766-5412 to learn more.
