Breathing, Cortisol and Health A Critical Connection

From an evolutionary standpoint, cortisol is an amazing hormone—especially if you were being chased by a saber-toothed tiger! Released by the two adrenal glands sitting on top of the kidneys, cortisol is critical to our survival. Under high-stress conditions, it elevates blood sugar and prepares the body for the “fight-or-flight” response.

Under normal conditions and at proper levels, cortisol plays several important roles, such as regulating metabolism and blood pressure, mood stability, reducing inflammation, supporting proper immune function and digestion, and even controlling the sleep/wake cycle.

So why does cortisol get such a bad rap?

Known as the “stress hormone,” cortisol is designed to kick into high gear for short periods when needed. But what happens when that “emergency button” does not get turned off? Unfortunately, our body initiates that same physical “fight-or-flight” response, even when it is not required—like when you are sitting in front of your computer or behind the wheel of a car. Cortisol levels can also be improperly elevated during sleep.

Any time there is increased resistance to breathing, our body goes into full alert. Since we can only survive a few minutes without oxygen, any condition that compromises our oxygen supply is considered a high-level threat.

This is seen in a very common condition known as sleep disordered breathing (SDB), a milder form of sleep apnea.

SDB is a sleep disorder characterized by the narrowing or collapsing of the upper airway, leading to increased resistance during breathing. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where there are complete or partial blockages of the airway, SDB involves more subtle changes that still disrupt sleep. This condition often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms can be less apparent than those of OSA, making it a hidden yet significant issue.

If you are wondering if you may be affected by SDB, the good news is that it is relatively easy to tell based on simple observation and symptoms. Snoring, or any noise made during sleep, is a prime indicator of SDB. Another common symptom is clenching and grinding your teeth. Long thought to be a “bite issue,” we now know it is the body’s attempt to tone the muscles that keep the airway open and prevent it from collapsing. Here are some other common signs of SDB:

·         Getting up to go to the bathroom multiple times per night

·         Waking up feeling tired

·         Jaw pain or morning headaches

·         Unexplained weight gain

·         Memory loss or difficulty concentrating

Chronic sleep and breathing disturbances can also trigger an inflammatory response, as the immune system becomes activated to deal with what it perceives as ongoing stress or injury. This inflammation can affect various systems in the body, contributing to conditions such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and even mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

Often, people affected by SDB do not fit the picture of a sleep apnea patient. Despite general good health and fitness, they may experience significant fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and cognitive impairment due to the disrupted sleep caused by SDB. The subtlety of the symptoms often leads to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis, as these individuals may not fit the typical profile of a sleep apnea patient.

Medical intervention, such as the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, is generally not made available to patients until the problem progresses to a more serious stage. Conventional dental appliances that adjust the position of the jaw and tongue can be effective in reducing airway resistance but have the potential to cause TMJ and bite problems with extended use.

Fortunately, there is a therapy designed to treat the root cause of SDB. An oral appliance called the Homeoblock can not only help enlarge the airway over time but also tone the muscles that keep the airway open. In addition, this nighttime appliance (which looks like a simple dental retainer) is worn at night to reduce the sympathetic “fight-or-flight” response.

Our bodies are remarkable machines. When we get a good night of restorative sleep (with good breathing), it is amazing how much better we can feel!

Dr. Ingo Mahn is a 1985 graduate of Marquette University School of Dentistry. He is an accredited member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) and earned a doctorate in integrative medicine from Capital University, in Georgetown. To learn more, visit ABreathOfHealth.com. There you can take an online airway assessment and download a free ebook.

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