25/02/2026
Sleep apnoea is often misunderstood as a sleep disorder. In reality, it is a condition of repeated nocturnal oxygen deprivation.
During apnoeic episodes, breathing briefly stops or becomes shallow, causing oxygen levels to fall, sometimes dozens or even hundreds of times per night. Each drop triggers a stress response, raising cortisol and activating the sympathetic nervous system.
The brain, which is highly oxygen-dependent, is particularly vulnerable to this pattern. Over time, intermittent hypoxia contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, impaired memory consolidation, and accelerated cognitive ageing.
What makes sleep apnoea especially dangerous is how often it goes undiagnosed. Many individuals do not feel excessively sleepy and continue to perform well until cognitive clarity, emotional regulation, and resilience begin to decline.
From a longevity perspective, sleep apnoea is not just a quality-of-life issue. It is a preventable driver of neurological decline, if identified early.
