Posted on 09/03/2024 3:10:00 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Scientists have created a first-of-its-kind sleep apnea model for studying chronic pain. A study explains the mechanism behind persistent pain related to obstructive sleep apnea.
More than 100 million people worldwide are affected by obstructive sleep apnea. This health condition causes a person to stop breathing numerous times while they are sleeping. Reduced sleep time and sleep quality can lead to numerous health problems, including chronic pain, which is diagnosed at a much higher rate in people with obstructive sleep apnea than those with normal sleep patterns.
Nathaniel Jeske, Ph.D., investigator: "We are looking at maladaptive neuroplasticity in these primary nociceptors that are representing persistent pain, which serves as a bridge between the acute and the chronic," Jeske said.
The peripheral nervous system controls messages from nerves that run throughout arms, legs and skin and sends these messages to the central nervous system. Nociceptors in this system are nerve cells specialized in detecting stimuli that produce pain.
To mimic the effects of obstructive sleep apnea in a mouse model, the researchers created a chronic intermittent hypoxia environment. After 14 days, the team observed an increase in cytokines, which are molecules released by the immune system that tell other cells to produce an inflammatory state. In a state of chronic reduced oxygen, these released cytokines cause sensitivity in nociceptors that produce prolonged sensitivity to pain.
Jeske said most people that have obstructive sleep apnea remain untreated. Many people who are diagnosed and prescribed a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine do not adhere to its consistent use.
Results in this study suggest treatment that corrects the chronic lack of oxygen or targets the peripheral macrophages could correct persistent pain for some obstructive sleep apnea patients. By identifying the mechanisms behind pain related to the condition, future research can explore treatments.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Cardiologist tested me for apnea, then put me on a CPAP machine. To sell (through Medicare) their many add-ons and spares, the CPAP retailers pestered me for months.
Since it kept falling off, I checked with my Veterinarian neighbor who said she’s off it now. So I gave up and feel fine.
On one occasion, I woke up panting—out of breath—apparently having an episode of apnea. But that was the only occasion, and that was years ago.
Many here don't like the pap machines, but they solve problems associated with chronic inflammation (and dozens of other issues that we might not even know that we have.)
I started with my cpap machine thinking that I'll put up with it until something better comes along. After a month or so of adaptation (you need to have a desire to succeed and to keep your sense of humor for inevitable, minor issues) I found myself freed from a host of problems - my blood work normalized, my sense of well-being improved (it wasn't all that bad, it just went up from "okay"), and so many other things big and small.
That was almost 20 years ago. Now, I'm so adapted to my "sweet dream machine" that I wouldn't "dream" of sleeping, even napping, without it.
I went into emergency two years ago for chronic respiration failure the first night I was on an oxygen machine and for the first rest time in 5 years I did not wake up several times in one night. When I was discharged I was referred to a sleep apnea test center. They found that I had severe obstructive SA. I also needed more assisted pressure that CPAP machine could produce so I was put on a ventilator. This has given me uninterrupted sleep for the last two years.
My condition did not manifest with breath restriction that I could detect but I would awaken and eventually go to the bathroom. So I concluded the problem was my prostate. It it was not free.
Retiring 4 years ago gave me time and energy to pursue fitness as well as getting a rescue pet that just happens to be personal fitness chihuahua and motivational expert.
Mycondition, SA residual to Pain. Cpap, bipap, and all failed to work. I have just completed the pre-op procedure for Inspire. It is a device,10 yr battery, in your right chest area, with wires to your throat. Maybe it will solve the problem of cpap for me.
there are recording aps for phone that can record any events you might be having- it’s kind of a pain to listen to hours of sleep- but if you are gaspign for breath every few minutes or so, it will tell you pretty quickly
[[Many here don’t like the pap machines, but they solve problems associated with chronic inflammation]]
I was told i was gonna feel so much better after using one- i have central apnea- a bit different- but i still have constant over-all muscle pain in the form of burning muscle pain, kinda like lactic acid burn- it happens without any provocation, and is miserable- I was on the machine for many months- it didn’t help a bit- Still had the same exhaustion amd muscle pain and brain fog-
Could be, but I still think it’s mostly the IRS. Taxes burn me.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.