The link between sleep apnea and osteoporosis

Sleep apnea (a condition that causes you to pause breathing during sleep) may boost your risk of osteoporosis. Robin Miller, MD, describes ways to prevent this bone disease.

Transcript

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[MUSIC PLAYING] Hi. I'm Dr. Miller. Did you know that sleep can affect your bone health?

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It's true. A recent study uncovered a link between obstructive sleep apnea and osteoporosis.

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It turns out that people with sleep apnea, a condition that causes you to pause breathing during sleep, may boost your risk of this bone disease.

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That was especially true for women and older people with sleep apnea. The researchers aren't exactly sure how sleep apnea contributes to osteoporosis.

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But they think the sleep disorder, which deprives the body of oxygen, may weaken bones. In the study, patients with sleep apnea

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were more than two and a half times more likely to have osteoporosis than volunteers who didn't have the condition. Exercise, which is one of the best ways

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to prevent sleep apnea, also helps keep your bones strong. And weight-bearing exercise is especially important

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to build strong bones. So next time you're tempted to skip a workout, remember exercise is good for your sleep and your bones.

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I'm Dr. Miller. Watch all our smart tips for more ways to protect your health. [MUSIC PLAYING]