Hypermobility & Sleep Apnea
Did you know that compared to the general population, people with hypermobility are 3-6x more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea? What does this mean and what can we do about it?
Obstructive sleep apnea refers to oxygen not getting to your brain due to an obstruction, in our case, usually connective tissue collapse of the airway. Although it traditionally may lead to snoring, it also may lead to lesser known symptoms such as fatigue and morning headaches.
Does it matter? YES! Sleep is one of the most important things for recovery at the cellular level. Add in connective tissue differences, the need for strength training, dysautonomia, and so much more which makes it THAT much more important for us to have good recovery. In addition, ongoing sleep apnea can lead to higher risk of cardiovascular issues so the earlier we can be treated, the better.
How to we get diagnosed? A sleep study is ideal but not always the most accessible option. My favorite starting point is trialing sleeping on a wedge/incline bed. Having your head more upright can help reduce airway collapse. It is also a great strategy for dysautonomia to reduce morning postural changes. An alternative would be to put bricks under the head of your bed to slightly elevate it.
So what can we do about it? Myofunctional therapy is highly recommended to begin strengthening the airway to reduce connective tissue collapse. As far as apnea treatment, a cpap is recommended to make sure your brain is getting the oxygen it needs at night. Addressing the root cause through myofunctional therapy is most recommended but is often not covered by insurance which can be a barrier to treatment.
If you move all over the place at night and wake up in weird positions, it may be worth looking more into sleep apnea. Your body may be searching for a position to keep your airway open. For me, I stopped getting morning headaches after cpap treatment which has been a big plus. I continue to work on face and throat strengthening as I learn more.
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This blog is written based on personal experience and is not medical advice. Always ask your doctor for individual concerns and support.