Bone health is absolutely critical and only becomes more important as we age. The balance in bone metabolism, both regenerative and degenerative, quickly starts favoring the latter. Pair that with poor sleep, and the situation only gets worse because disruptive sleep means disrupted bone metabolism.
Disturbances in Sleep
A person’s sleep patterns can shift and change for any number of reasons. For example, our sleep patterns typically change as we get older. One instance takes place after puberty, but they also continue to change as we move toward old age. Remember that our bone metabolism also diminishes as we age.
The point is, sleep patterns change naturally throughout our lives. The danger really starts when we pile on other risk factors Sleep disorders are a prime example.
- Sleep disorders (like sleep apnea) are by definition disruptions in sleep patterns.
- Disorders like sleep apnea multiply risk because they break our sleep cycles numerous times throughout the night.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when a person’s airway collapses at night. This collapse cuts off their air supply and startles them awake numerous times throughout the night gasping for air. People who suffer from sleep apnea not only lose sleep this way but also reduce their intake of oxygen, decrease their metabolic capacity, and negatively affect their heart health among countless other consequences.
Relation to Bone Health
The constant interruptions in sleep consistent with sleep apnea disrupt the signals that mediate bone formation. During sleep, the body rests, rebuilds, and restores and when this system is interrupted it keeps the body from performing these functions because you’re constantly waking back up.
Obstructive sleep apnea interacts with the skeleton through several mechanisms including:
- Inducing hypoxia
- Causing oxidative stress
- Changing melatonin, leptin and vitamin D secretion
Sleep Patterns Influence on Bone Metabolism
Bone mineral density is an important parameter in assessing a person’s health, especially if they’re elderly. And OSA, as shown above, plays a critical role in regulating bone growth.
Bone remodeling is a continuous process of its synthesis and destruction. When this process is interfered with, bones can face issues such as reduced synthesis (less bone reformation) and osteoporosis.
Protect Your Bones and Sleep
The good news in all of this is that evidence suggests that through treatment, these risks can be mitigated. People who believe they may be experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea can schedule a consultation with Dr. Buck by calling 425-361-7499 to learn more about potential treatment options.
