Sympathetic Nervous System and Catecholamines in Sleep Apnea: Metabolic Impact
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Stress Hormones and Metabolism?
Obstructive sleep apnea dramatically elevates sympathetic nervous system activity and catecholamine levels, leading to significant metabolic dysfunction and increased cardiovascular risk, this research demonstrates. The study found that OSA patients have 3-4 fold higher levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine compared to healthy controls, with these stress hormones remaining elevated even during wakefulness. This chronic catecholamine excess contributes to insulin resistance, elevated blood glucose, increased blood pressure, and altered lipid metabolism, creating a cascade of metabolic dysfunction that significantly increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The research reveals that sleep apnea essentially creates a state of chronic stress that persists 24 hours a day, fundamentally altering how the body processes energy and maintains metabolic homeostasis.
