Sleep apnea is a condition where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, disrupting restful sleep. Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, making it feel as though you or your surroundings are moving. While seemingly unrelated, there can be a connection between sleep apnea and experiencing vertigo.
Understanding the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Vertigo
Sleep apnea can contribute to vertigo through several physiological mechanisms affecting the brain and inner ear, both involved in maintaining balance. One factor is intermittent hypoxia, or low blood oxygen levels, caused by repeated pauses in breathing. These drops in oxygen affect the inner ear’s vestibular system, which senses head movements and maintains equilibrium. Reduced oxygen to the brain can also directly cause dizziness or vertigo, particularly upon waking.
Sleep apnea can also lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. This accumulation can alter the body’s gas balance, causing blood vessels to dilate or constrict. Such changes impact blood flow to the inner ear, disrupting its function and contributing to dizziness and disorientation.
Sleep apnea is linked to fluctuations in blood pressure. When oxygen levels drop during an apneic event, the heart works harder, leading to increases in blood pressure. These rapid changes can affect blood flow to the inner ear and brain, potentially causing dizziness, especially in the mornings.
Sleep apnea can stress the body, leading to dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system. This system controls involuntary bodily functions, including balance. Dysfunction can manifest as lightheadedness, dizziness, and difficulty maintaining upright posture. Systemic inflammation associated with sleep apnea may also impact neurological functions, including those related to balance.
Common Causes of Vertigo
While sleep apnea can contribute to vertigo, many other conditions can also cause this sensation. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause, characterized by brief, intense spinning sensations triggered by specific head movements. It occurs when tiny calcium particles in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the wrong part of the semicircular canals.
Meniere’s disease is another inner ear disorder that can cause recurrent episodes of vertigo, often accompanied by fluctuating hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and a feeling of fullness in the affected ear. This condition is thought to be related to an abnormal buildup of fluid in the inner ear.
Vestibular migraine is a type of migraine that can cause bouts of vertigo, even without a severe headache. These episodes can last minutes to hours and may be associated with sensitivity to light and noise. Inflammation of the inner ear, such as labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis, can lead to sudden, intense, and persistent vertigo. Certain medications, head injuries, and problems in the brain, such as blood vessel disease or tumors, can also induce vertigo.
When to Consult a Doctor
Seeking medical attention is advisable if you experience persistent or recurring vertigo, particularly if you suspect a connection to sleep apnea. If vertigo is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as a severe headache, weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, vision changes, or hearing loss, consult a doctor promptly. These additional symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition.
If you have a known sleep apnea diagnosis and begin to experience new or worsening vertigo, discuss this with your healthcare provider. Similarly, if you experience symptoms suggestive of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness, and these are accompanied by vertigo, a medical evaluation can help determine the cause and appropriate course of action.
Treating Sleep Apnea to Relieve Vertigo
Addressing underlying sleep apnea can often help alleviate associated vertigo. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. This therapy involves wearing a mask during sleep that delivers a continuous stream of air pressure, which helps keep the upper airway passages open and prevents breathing interruptions. By improving oxygen levels and stabilizing breathing patterns, CPAP can reduce the physiological stressors that contribute to vertigo.
Oral appliances offer another treatment option for sleep apnea, especially for mild to moderate cases. These custom-made mouthpieces are designed to reposition the jaw or tongue, which helps to keep the airway open during sleep. While CPAP is generally more effective, oral appliances can be a more comfortable and portable alternative for some individuals.
Lifestyle changes can also play a role in managing sleep apnea and related vertigo. Losing weight can significantly reduce the severity of sleep apnea. Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime helps, as these substances can relax throat muscles and worsen airway obstruction. Adjusting sleeping position, such as sleeping on your side, can also help maintain an open airway. In some severe cases, surgical options may be considered to remove excess tissue or improve airway patency.