Category: Associated diseases

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What is Gastro-esophageal Reflux disease (GERD)? Is it related to sleep?

The connection between Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have long been considered to have an association.They are both common medical conditions reducing the quality of life for thousands of Canadians.

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In pregnancy can poor sleep increase depression?

Sleep, pregnancy and depression – is there an association?

Pregnancy can be a special time, alas it may also be a time when snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can commence or worsen. Water retention, hormonal changes and weight gain can all be factors.

For both the women and the bedpartner, just the disruption from snoring can seem to be enough, but there seems little doubt that the problem is real. In fact, according to the National Sleep Foundation’s 1998 Women and Sleep poll, 78% of women report more disturbed sleep during pregnancy than at other times.

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Is heartburn and reflux a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea?

Heart burn (GERD). There is some controversy over this – but anecdotally I have seen this far too frequently to believe it to be just a co-incidence.

As the airway closes the diaphragm is still dropping to pull in outside air – but due to the obstruction, it can’t, so it causes the chest pressure to drop, potentially pulling up acid from the stomach.

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