Thyroid Disease Guide Mary Shomon has an example. Joe went to a sleep lab and found out he had sleep apnea. However, further tests revealed he also was suffering from hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is often under-diagnosed. Thyroid deficiency causes excessive daytime sleepiness and night-time snoring similar to sleep apnea. Central and obstructive sleep apnea may occur in people who also suffer from hypothyroidism. This article goes on to say that thyroid hormone replacement also seems logical in the treatment of sleep apnea.
There are numerous methods for the treatment of sleep apnea, including CPAP and/or surgery. However, because hypothyroidism can be the cause of sleep apnea, it is important that the thyroid function be tested. If the apnea is caused by or aggravated by thyroid disease or malfunction, it is possible that the apnea can be reversed!
Returning to my original study from the University of Washington, only 1.41 percent of the sleep apnea patients tested suffered from hypothyroidism. Only a small percentage, but what if you are in that 1.4 percent? What if there is a chance, however slim, of finding relief from your sleep apnea or even just a reduction in the discomfort and danger?
Any and all coexisting ailments should be treated, and this includes congestive heart failure and hypothyroidism. Doesn't this suggest that perhaps a thyroid test for sleep apnea victims might be a good idea?
Even if you don’t think you have sleep apnea, a thyroid test is still a good idea. Hypothyroidism can cause fatigue, weight gain and depression..
