Dr. Joshy EV, Senior Neurologist.

 

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to several minutes, disrupting sleep and causing daytime fatigue, irritability, and other health problems. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

There are two main types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA):

The most common type, caused by the collapse of the upper airway during sleep, often due to excess tissue in the throat or tongue.

Central sleep apnea (CSA):

Less common, it occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing.

 

Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Snoring loudly

Gasping or choking during sleep

Daytime sleepiness

Morning headaches

Dry mouth

Irritability

Difficulty concentrating

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it's important to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Treatment:

The current gold standard treatment, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), is often abandoned by many patients. Lifestyle changes, weight reduction through exercise and diet, and stress reduction go a long way in managing sleep apnea.

A new study offers hope for a new era in sleep apnea treatment.

Researchers tested a drug called tirzepatide on people with OSA and obesity.

They found that tirzepatide

Reduced body weight:

Participants lost a significant amount of weight.

Improved sleep apnea:

The number of times breathing stopped or slowed down during sleep decreased significantly.

Lowered blood pressure:

Systolic blood pressure improved, especially for those not using CPAP. Tirzepatide is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonists. It's primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes.

How does Tirzepatide work?

Mimics a natural hormone:

Tirzepatide mimics the action of two natural hormones, GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide).

Improves blood sugar control:

By stimulating insulin production and reducing glucagon secretion, tirzepatide helps lower blood sugar levels.

Weight loss:

As a side effect, tirzepatide has been shown to promote weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness.

Uses of Tirzepatide:

Type 2 diabetes:

Tirzepatide is approved to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Weight management:

In some cases, it may be used to help people with obesity or overweight lose weight.

Potential side effects:

Gastrointestinal issues:

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation

Injection site reactions:

Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site

Hypoglycemia:

Low blood sugar levels

Pancreatitis:

Inflammation of the pancreas.

It's important to note that tirzepatide should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. If you have any concerns or questions about tirzepatide, consult with your doctor.

 

The Future

This study shows that a medication could be a promising option for treating OSA, especially for those who struggle with CPAP.