The Overlooked Correlation of OSA and PTSD
In recent years, treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has become a mission for many dental professionals. Due to the unique relationship patients have with their dentists, general dentists are often in a better position than other medical professionals to quickly identify cases of OSA. Given this responsibility, it is also important for physicians who treat OSA to also be aware of the connection between OSA and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A 2015 study conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, which involved 195 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, found that 69.2 percent of participants who had been diagnosed with PTSD had a high risk for OSA. This risk increased with PTSD symptom severity, with about a 40 percent increase for OSAwith every clinically significant increase in PTSD-symptom severity. “The implication is that veterans who come to PTSD treatment, even younger veterans, should be screened for obstructive sleep apnea so that they have the opportunity to be diagnosed and treated,” says co-principal investigator Sonya Norman, Ph.D., a researcher at the San Diego VA and associate professor of psychiatry at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. “[...] Sleep apnea is a risk factor for a long list of health problems such as hypertension, cardiovascular
disease, and diabetes, and psychological problems including depression, worsening PTSD, and anxiety.” A different study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine noted that “the co-occurrence of these conditions worsens outcomes and diminishes treatment effects.” Patients who suffer from PTSD and OSA show less improvement of their symptoms after treatment than patients suffering from OSA alone. This could verywell be due to the fact that the presence of PTSD seems to negatively affect positive air pressure (PAP) use. On average, patients with PTSD use PAP therapy for 59 percent of nights for just 3.5 hours per night. Though PTSD is most likely to be diagnosed in military veterans — such as the subjects of these studies — it’s important to remember that PTSD is also common in the civilian population. Survivors of tragedies such as the 9/11 attacks or sexual assaults may also suffer from PTSD. Further research is needed to fully understand the connection between PTSD and OSA. However, right now, it is reasonable to suggest that the best way for patients to seek relief from PTSD and OSA is by seeking proper treatment for both conditions simultaneously.
An Unpleasant Cycle
Strawberry Mango Paletas
Have a Laugh
INGREDIENTS
4. Meanwhile, in a blender, purée mangoes with 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth. Scrape into a medium bowl and clean the blender. Then, purée strawberry mixture until smooth. 5. Into 8 3-ounce ice pop molds, spoon 2 tablespoons mango purée. Add 2 tablespoons strawberry purée to each mold, then top with remaining mango purée, leaving 1/2 inch between filling and top of mold. 6. Using a small knife, gently swirl layers together.
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1 1/4 cups strawberries, chopped 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 medium ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and chopped
DIRECTIONS
1. In a saucepan, toss strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. 2. Add 1/4 cup water and bring to a simmer over moderate heat. Cook strawberries until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. 3. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Let cool completely, about 45 minutes.
7. Insert ice pop sticks and freeze until solid.
8. Dip molds in hot water for a few seconds, then unmold paletas and serve immediately.
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