Brain fog and sleep apnea

by Travis Hennager
(Orlando, FL)

I've been having brain fog all of a sudden for about 5 days. Basically the symptoms of this are trouble concentrating, short term memory loss, confusion, a feeling of detachment, depression an anxiety. This happened all of a sudden over night and I am fetid to figure out if it is because of sleep apnea.

Have you heard of brain fog happening as a result of sleep apnea? If you google brain fog I have every symptom :-/

Answer


Dear Travis,

Many people with sleep apnea never heard about brain fog, and I want to thank you for asking, because there is a lot to talk about it.

If we describe the symptoms of brain fog, also named cognitive dysfunction, many readers with sleep apnea will understand what brain fog means.

The brain fog symptoms


  • you can't focus,

  • forget why you came into a room,

  • when you read a paragraph from a book, you can't read further without having to start over again because you've forgotten what you've read,

  • you feel like running on autopilot all day, not interacting with anything and anyone,

  • you feel that your body is not physically tired, but your brain is,

  • you feel like watching a life rather than participating in it.

  • you are trying to remember something but everything is just blank,

  • ordinary activities require an extra effort to perform or complete,

  • can't think of the correct words to use in conversation,

  • you can't solve math problems as well as you once could,

  • and many more...

Causes of brain fog


Travis, you asked me if brain fog can be caused by sleep apnea. I know that is difficult for you to follow all the things that I write, so I'll try to be short. Here is my answer:

Yes, brain fog, or cognitive dysfunction, can be caused by sleep apnea.

In fact, scientists discovered that cognitive dysfunction can be due to chronic sleep difficulties at any age. So not only sleep apnea can be the cause, but also insomnia and narcolepsy can be risk factors.

Cognitive dysfunction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea has been demonstrated in a number of studies, but the reason is not quite clear.

Recent studies have suggested that hypoxemia - the deficient oxygenation of the blood - is the main cause for memory problems and physical abilities. The second cause is excessive daytime sleepiness, which appear due to sleep fragmentation.

Treatment of brain fog


The question is...can you treat the brain fog when you have sleep apnea?

Good news! You can catch two rabbits with one shoot: treat sleep apnea and the braig fog will improve, even disappear!

One small study evaluating the effects of CPAP therapy on 20 patients with severe obstructive apnea found that most patients demonstrated significant improvement in brain fog. However, most of the patients didn't improve immediately, but in 3 months to 12 month after CPAP therapy was started.

Anyway, the treatment with CPAP demonstrated significant improvements in memory, concentration, verbal fluency and alertness.

If you don't have yet a CPAP, the best way to improve your brain fog is to sleep on the side. Read the page about positional therapy to understand how can this be helpful for you.

I hope it helps. Don't be afraid to comment back.

Remy Thierry
Founder of Sleep Apnea Guide

Comments for Brain fog and sleep apnea

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Oct 25, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		seizure, sleepwalking
by: R Ijams

I had never sleepwalked before and had never had a seizure before using a cpap. I'm 51 and 10/1/12 had a seizure after trying to use cpap all nite. Had brain fog when I woke up. So I laid back down to clear my head.

E MT's were next thing I remember. Which would have made seizure last about 40 minutes Oh and loss of bladder control. 6/8/12 sleepwalked out of semi that was going 60mph when I opened door and got out like truck was parked.

My wife yelling at me had no effect. State trooper was on scene by the time I was responsive. Frac pelvic, frac 3 ribs crushed rt wrist concussion and road rash. I put a mask on and granddaughter said I never laid down.

CPAP investors on target to make Billions. Have found another story of sleepwalking. And a death while tested in sleep lap.

Who REALLY benefits??? And then plan for worldwide sleep medicine. Kids as young as 2, even infants on CPAP. 4 million $ lawsuit by investors that were defrauded by a man that said he had Ph.D. GA case. I Have 25 yrs otr. Also a 2 million mile safe driving award. Can't drive even a car now after using CPAP.
Aug 08, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Brain fog
by: Anonymous

Thank you for your input on Brain fog, it is nice to know that with CPAP it will in time go away.

I live in a foreign country when I discovered that I had sleep apnea so the communication is not always forthright. To know after 1 week that my brain fog is not clearing was upsetting but now I understand it will take up to 3 months.

My question is, once using the CPAP is it ever possible to condition yourself, maybe through weight loss and exercise to not be dependant on it forever? is there a way I can sleep without the CPAP?
regards from Germany
M. Martens
Mar 03, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Tonsils removal
by: Anonymous

Im diagnised with sleep apnea as well. Snoring, stop beeathing at night - I also have all the symptoms that was listed. I tried cpap but waa cery uncomfortable. My doctor told me I have super enlarged tonsils that prohibit sufficient windflow while sleeping. I plan on getting them removed. And actually , I have a friend with sleep apnea whom had tinsils removed as well - snoring decreased, breathing while sleeping increased as well. Tonsils removed may be an option for some.
Mar 04, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Brain fog and sleep apnea
by: R Ijams

By: Martha Garcia | Published: April 15th, 2013


Nearly two dozen universities failed to properly warn parents that a national oxygen study may put their premature infants at risk, federal officials say.

According to a letter (PDF) issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the lead institution in the study, research institutions involved in the study did not offer informed consent to the parents of the premature infants.

The study involved 1,300 premature infants between 24 to 27 weeks of gestation. Researchers evaluated the results of increased or decreased oxygen through a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment to determine the levels of oxygen saturation and neurological effects on premature infants.

According to the letter, the institutions involved were aware of the potential adverse affects the treatment may have on the infants, including blindness and even death. The DHHS Office of Human Research Protection says the institutions had sufficient evidence to know such treatment may cause serious consequences, but never properly informed parents participating in the study about the potential risks. The office considers the failing a violation of regulatory requirements for informed consent.

The study took place between 2004 and 2009 and 130 infants of 654 in the low oxygen level group died, while 91 of 509 infants in the high oxygen group developed a serious eye problem, which can result in blindness.

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2010, was financed by the National Institutes of Health and involved 23 high profile Universities, such as Stanford, Duke and Yale.

The consent form only mentioned risks involving abrasion of the infants skin, and claimed there was a potential benefit of decreased need for eye surgery if the infant was assigned to a certain oxygen level group.

DHHS officials say the consent form should have highlighted that the risks of the trial were not the same as the risks of receiving standard care, so parents could make a more informed decision.
Mar 04, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Brain fog and sleep apnea
by: R Ijams

I'v found billions in fraud connected to sleep studies. I sleep walked out of a semi 6/8/2012. My wife was driving and granddaughter was in passinger seat. Was put on cpap Feb 2012. When I called I told sleep folks I didn't feel better. Was told I'd get used to it. 10/1/12 I had a seizure. Have had 6 known seizures sence then. Trying to get on disabilty. Have over 2 million safe driving miles with Prime Inc. Was not brought in for more sleep testing till after sleep walking with cpap. I know of other sleep walking cases. And have found you can become cpap dependent. 02 toxicity in lungs which can cause cysts that can go undetected. Pulse ox senser on finger doesn't give good reading because hemoglobin in blood tries to protect body. It said researchers new that effect would be hard to prove. Can't find Doc willing to go against sleep folks.
Mar 04, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Brain Fog
by: Anonymous

I thanks you for posting your question about brain fog. It has plagued me for years before my OSA diagnosis but 9 months of using the CPAP gave me no relief in symptoms. Positional sleeping helped until I got a cold and I am now back in the fog. How does one re-oxygenate the blood once awake to curb the brain fog until a breath obstrucktion passes?
Apr 27, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		To be reasurred
by: Anonymous

I have epilepsy and cognitive decline also sleep apnea moderate I have had brain fog and I have felt my memory worse I sit there questioning myself can u reassure me
May 01, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		On CPAP 20 years
by: Anonymous

I have been on CPAP treatment for about 20 years, I have tried all machines and settings out there and the drain fog seems to be worsening as the years go by. I use an autocpap for the past 5 years or so. Anxiety and "beside myself feelings" (feeling like I am not an active participant in my life and like I am looking at myself do and say things but not feeling them) seem to be the norm for the past 2 years or so. Any thoughts on where to go from here as far as "getting back to normal "whatever that may be?

Meds are out of the question for me, because I feel that if the problem is OSA, then the solution must be there to find and not by medicating the symptoms, but rather treat the cause.

I have had laser UPP, septoplasty, and adenoidectomy in the past and Doctors say everything is fine structurally.

Thank you
Nov 11, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Loss for Words
by: Melissa

I have Sleep Apnea, I wear my machine most nights and I do believe it helps me some but I don't feel that amazing feeling that some talk of. What I do notice is that on nights where I don't wear my mask I have extreme difficult speaking the next day.

My job is a lot of phone conversations and I find myself dialing the number and when the person answers even though I know why I'm calling them, I can't get myself to say the words I need.

I just pause and can't say anything, until I finally push thru and get started. This seems to happen less when I wear my mask but that is really the only real benefit I have noticed from wearing the mask. I'm still so tired all of the time.
Nov 11, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Melissa
by: Anonymous

I feel you Melissa it is a tough condition. Let me ask you, how are your sinuses? Are you constantly congested?
Dec 30, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fog is Lifting
by: Anonymous

I have been on AVS bipap machine after trying reg cpap then bipap had no effect due to my condition Central Sleep Apnea
whereby my brain dosn't signal my lungs to breath while sleeping.

I was clocked ay 40 AHI, now with AVS which starts my breathing when I quit, I feel better than I can ever remember I'm still very foggy mind you my entire body does feel better, much better, it has taken 3 machines and various mask changes to get to this point.

I still have high anxiety before going to bed, wondering if I will be able to sleep and falling asleep is still a bit difficult but when I get 7 hrs sleep and only 2 AHI; That's a result!
Dec 31, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Brain fog and sleep apena
by: Roy Ijams

If you have not looked up normal breathing it may help to look that up. I have used self hypnosis for years for my health. In mediation it teaches to breath in for 10 seconds, exhale for 10 seconds, pause for 10 seconds. I understand that to be one breath. Just doing that for 3 minutes can effect how you feel.

I no longer use cpap sense I'm on seizure medications. Billy Branson-Author & Astrologer that taught me self hypnosis. And counseled my wife and I. I took meds. for hay fever before I met her. Was tested for what I was allergic to. Wife said it showed I was allergic all things I was tested for. I used both hypnosis and shots to build immunity.
Jan 23, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Apnea is caused by Hayfever
by: Sachin

Sleep Apnea in mainly caused by hayfever. Hayfever blocks the nose (inflames inner nostrils and also builds up mucus) and hence creates a vacum in the throat passage allowing the tongue to collapse. As the airflow thrust is absent. In addition hayfever may inflame the throat.

So solution is undertake hayfever immunotheray and after 18 month also undertake operation in the nose to clear the blockage. Also get tonsil operaton if enlarged. Apnea should improve dramatically
Jan 23, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Brain Fog
by: Anonymous

Travis if you find the answer to brain fog please share. I have been using CPAP for over 20 years and continue to have brain fog on a daily basis.

There has to be something else other than CPAP that will take care of the brain fog. CPAP, as prescribed here to be the cure, has not been so for me.

Don’t misunderstand me, I believe CPAP has its function and to some degree works with sleep apnea but it is not the cure-all as some make it out to be.

Good luck!
Jan 24, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Brain fog and sleep apena
by: Roy Ijams

Sachin I no longer use cpap. After the seizure from using CPAP I'm on total disability. Quit meds for hay fever 20 years ago.
Sep 13, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Feels like no hope
by: Gabriel

I was diagnosed with Osa about 3 to 4 months ago. I was offered a CPAP and a BiPAP machine and tried on various masks, but could not tolerate the oxygen, it made me feel dizzy like passing out when trying to breathe out of every mascot tried. So as time went on without machines I tried a internet mouthpiece that did not work very well which I told could work and so after that not working my insurance needs to approve a CPAP machine again so I'm starting at the beginning. Since I am waiting now for my insurance to clear it I have been feeling brain zaps and no sleep and very bad cognitive disorders. I am worried that something is happening in my brain and at a loss for words. What can I do while waiting for a mask? And is it too late for me? I feel like the ground is moving under my feet when I walk sometimes and that I cannot hold a conversation without my heart rate going up and I feel like I could pass out. This is all new to me. I am only 39 years old and a male, and never had sleep apnea up before it just came from out of nowhere diagnosed
Feb 28, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Brain Fog is scary
by: Anonymous

This is happening to me at 50. And yes it’s scary as all heck. The list of symptoms is helpful but just not when you have a few of them. I’ve been on bi-pap for 14 months. At first it was really helping me out. Now not so much. I’m having bad nasal congestion and I’m a mouth breather with a deviated septum. Yeah lucky me right? I think I’ve hit a wall in my treatment. Plus throw in the deviated septum, congestion and constant dry mouth I can see why. I’m going to get a new style of mask. This sucks bad. Frustrating because when you have this brain fog your mind thinks of the worst possible reasons. I can’t catch a break but I’m still trying to figure this out because momma didn’t raise a quitter. Good luck to all who have got this problem. Hope is eternal! So they say?
Jun 23, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		C. P. causes brain fog?
by: Bill Dietz

Been on c- pap for several years. 71 years old. Never did help with me being tired during the day. Now my memory is worse than ever and I have this hollow feeling in my head. I call it brain fog? I am questioning if it is the c- pap? I try to sleep without the c-pap occasionally and I will sleep on my side. I am OK but my neck hurts after a time so I will lay on my back and my wife will wake me up and tells me I quite breathing. I question the constant breathing in of plastic made from petroleum could be causing some of my problem?
Aug 28, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		CPAP and Cognitive Problems
by: Todd Monnin

My wife has had cognitive issues for over 2 years. After dozens of tests by neurologists, they found nothing wrong with her brain, blood flow or any sign of stroke.

She lost the ability to read and write, working memory problems and visual spatial issues. Yet, her short and long term memory has always been fine.

She did a sleep study whhich showed severe sleep apnea. She stopped breathing 216 times and woke up 30 times per hour. Her neurologist diagnosed her with brain fatigue from the apnea.

She has been on a CPAP for 2 months. We were told not to expect improvement for 3-12 months. However, her symptoms have become even worse while on the CPAP. After years of sleep apnea, can the CPAP initially create more cognitive problems before things get better?
Aug 30, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Follow up appreciated
by: Anonymous

Anyone able to share their findings after their last post?

Especially if it was several years ago… Interested in finding out if the individual who wrote post herein has found a solution he/she would like to share.

Greatly appreciate your insight

Thanks



On CPAP 20 years
by: Anonymous

I have been on CPAP treatment for about 20 years, I have tried all machines and settings out there and the drain fog seems to be worsening as the years go by. I use an autocpap for the past 5 years or so. Anxiety and "beside myself feelings" (feeling like I am not an active participant in my life and like I am looking at myself do and say things but not feeling them) seem to be the norm for the past 2 years or so. Any thoughts on where to go from here as far as "getting back to normal "whatever that may be?

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Sleep Apnea Help Line.

Share this page:
Enjoy this sleep apnea page? Please pay it forward. Here's how..

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.