9. Cognitive Decline: The Erosion of Mental Acuity
Forgetting where you left your keys or struggling to concentrate might seem like minor hiccups in daily life. But what if these ‘small’ lapses start piling up? Women suffering from sleep apnea often report issues with memory and concentration, symptoms that are easily mistaken for age-related cognitive decline or mere forgetfulness.
Let’s get into the neurobiology. During deep sleep, your brain gets to work on memory consolidation and cognitive repair. When sleep apnea interferes with these essential processes, it’s like halting construction work halfway through. The edifice of your cognition is left incomplete and vulnerable to erosion.
But here’s where the tale takes a somewhat literary turn. Your cognitive struggles could become a story you tell yourself, where you begin to internalize these cognitive difficulties as a part of who you are. “I’m just forgetful,” you might think, not realizing that you’re battling a symptom of a far-reaching health issue.
This symptom has a diabolical longevity. Over time, it can escalate from minor annoyances to significant challenges, potentially impacting your professional life and personal relationships. The cognitive cloud doesn’t just affect you; it extends its foggy reach to every aspect of your life, from work performance to social interactions. (9)
