People with medical conditions that interrupt their sleep often experience memory problems. Scientists using new technology have concluded that sleep discontinuity does impair memory according to a report in the Proceedings of the national Academy of Sciences. One of the conditions that causes sleep disruption is obstructive sleep apnea.

Scientists have long suspected that sleep and memory are connected but it has not been an easy subject to investigate. Using a new light technology the researchers disrupted the sleep of mice and then had them complete tasks. Tests showed that the mice who had their sleep interrupted had memory issues. After further experiments the researchers discovered that “memory was unaffected if the average duration of sleep episodes was maintained at 2-73% of normal.” Dr. H. Craig Heller said that the findings “point to a specific characteristic of sleep — continuity — as being critical for memory”. The authors of the study suggest that memory problems in people with obstructive sleep apnea or other sleep disorders are probably linked to the disrupted sleep that these conditions cause.

If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea treating your condition can improve your memory and overall quality of life. CPAP therapy is an excellent option for treating this disorder but many people cannot tolerate sleeping with the masks and the machines. Oral appliance therapy available through your Columbus area dental sleep medicine office can provide simple, non-surgical relief from obstructive sleep apnea.

For additional information or to schedule your consultation please contact our office at 614-476-6696 today. A complete night’s sleep is within your reach.