Sleep apnea and chronic fatigue syndrome are two conditions that often go hand in hand. In our practice at Bend Headache Center in Bend, Oregon, we encounter patients who experience both sleep apnea and chronic fatigue syndrome. But how are they connected? Let’s find out!
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted or becomes shallow during sleep. If you stop breathing completely or have limited airflow into your lungs for 10 seconds or longer, this can be considered apnea. This pause in breathing can occur several or many times throughout the night, leading to disturbed sleep and various health risks.
Discovering Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
On the other hand, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition characterized by extreme fatigue that can’t be explained by any underlying medical condition. It is a complex condition that features a wide variety of symptoms that can vary in severity. Most notably, this type of fatigue doesn’t improve with rest.
The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Sleep Apnea: A Contributing Factor to Fatigue
When you’re suffering from sleep apnea, you’re not getting the restful sleep your body needs. The frequent pauses in your breathing throughout the night force your body to wake up repeatedly, disrupting your natural sleep cycle.
Impact of Chronic Fatigue on Sleep
Interestingly, while sleep apnea may contribute to fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome in itself is not a sleep disorder. In fact, people with CFS often report having problems with sleep such as insomnia, frequent awakenings, and even sleep apnea.
The Mutual Link
Research has found that people with sleep apnea show higher rates of fatigue than the general population. Similarly, many people diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome also report symptoms indicative of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea.
Management and Treatment of Sleep Apnea and CFS
Non-Surgical Solutions
At Bend Headache Center, we believe in providing non-surgical solutions to manage these conditions. For sleep apnea, conservative treatment options may include lifestyle changes like weight loss, cessation of smoking, and positional therapy.
Drug-Free Solutions
We’re also committed to offering drug-free solutions to provide relief for chronic fatigue syndrome. One such approach is cognitive behavioral therapy, which has been shown to be effective in managing chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.
Coping Strategies
Positive lifestyle changes such as maintaining regular sleep hours, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and following a balanced diet can also help manage both conditions.
In Conclusion
Ready to learn more about sleep apnea or chronic fatigue syndrome? Make an appointment at the Bend Headache Center today!
