Green Tea May Help Sleep Apnea Sufferers

Sleep Disorders

Glossary

"A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow". - Charlotte Bronte

Green Tea May Help Sleep Apnea Sufferers

Researchers at the University of Louisville recently reviewed the effects of the antioxidant compounds, known as polyphenols, commonly found in green tea beverages. What they found may have a profound effect on those who suffer with sleep apnea: drinking several cups of green tea each day may help to ward of cognitive problems and memory loss in people who have the sleep disorder.

David Gozal led the study, which found that the increased inflammation and drop in oxygen that the apnea causes might kill brain cells over time. However, those who drink six to 10 cups of green tea each day can go a long way in keeping those brain cells alive.

In his experiments, Gozal used rats that had been tested for oxygen deprivation and inflammation, as well as for performance in memory tasks and spatial learning. Over time, he discovered that the rats that were given green tea-infused water to drink consistently and significantly outperformed their plain water counterparts.

“If you have sleep apnea, use your breathing machine while you are sleeping,” Gozal said. “However, if you also drink green tea, this may help you feel better.”

Jo-Ann Ferri, who has sleep apnea, is excited to try out the green tea therapy for herself. Currently, the 52-year-old has problems with her memory and hopes to be rid of her breathing machine soon.

Gozal’s report of his findings will appear in the next issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, which is produced by the American Thracic Society.

In recent years, there has been a considerable amount of research conducted on green tea, with some studies even suggesting that consuming it can help fend of heart disease and high cholesterol. Some even claim it can slow the progression of memory decline experienced in Alzheimer’s patients.