How Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sleep Apnea Can Be Connected

Around 57 percent of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) also struggle with insomnia. At first glance, you might think this is purely a result of joint pain making it more difficult to fall asleep. But while discomfort can definitely be a factor, insomnia could also be a symptom of sleep apnea – which can be more closely related to RA than you might think. Here are the facts behind this surprising relationship.

What are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sleep Apnea?

RA is a condition where you experience pain and inflammation in your joints. It commonly occurs in the hands and feet, but any joint in the body can potentially be affected.

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where breathing is frequently being interrupted, usually due to airway blockage. These interruptions cause you to wake up multiple times throughout the night, which means you don’t get enough quality sleep.

What is the Connection Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sleep Apnea?

A study published in the journal BMJ Open found that people with RA had a 75% higher incidence rate of sleep apnea compared to people without RA. The exact reasons why haven’t been determined yet, but there are a number of theories:

• RA can cause the temporomandibular joints (the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull) to degenerate. This can result in a narrowed airway, which can make you more likely to experience sleep apnea episodes.
• The inflammation caused by RA is linked to a protein known as tumor necrosis factor, or TNF for short. Many people with sleep apnea also have higher levels of TNF.
• Obesity is a risk factor for RA as well as sleep apnea. In other words, your joint pain and your sleep disorder could both be the result of excess weight.

It should also be noted that RA and sleep apnea can have similar consequences. Both conditions are known to cause feelings of fatigue, and they could also increase your risk for cardiovascular problems like heart attacks. For this reason, if you think you’re suffering from RA and sleep apnea simultaneously, having them treated becomes all the more important.

What Can You Do If You Have Sleep Apnea and Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The first step is to see a professional for a diagnosis. Once you know for sure that you’re experiencing sleep apnea and/or RA, you can start looking for solutions.

The most well-known type of treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP therapy. However, if a CPAP machine proves too uncomfortable for you to use, you can ask a sleep dentist about having an oral appliance made. There are several kinds of oral appliances to choose from, and each one is designed to ensure that your airway stays clear so that your breathing remains uninterrupted while you sleep.

RA can’t be cured, but there are ways to reduce the inflammation and pain that it causes while also protecting your joints from damage. You can speak to your regular physician to see what they recommend.

About the Author

Dr. Deborah A. Romack has been practicing in Weatherford ever since she graduated from the Baylor College of Dentistry in 1998. She has attended many courses regarding obstructive sleep apnea, which means she’s quite knowledgeable when it comes to recognizing and treating the disorder. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Romack at Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine, visit her website or call (817) 594-3806.