A single bout of sleep apnea impacts the human body鈥檚 ability to regulate blood pressure.

In a recent study measuring the impact of simulated sleep apnea on humans, researchers at UBC Okanagan campus found that just six hours of the fluctuating oxygen levels associated with sleep apnea can begin to deteriorate a person鈥檚 circulatory system.

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The condition can result in frequent periods of decreased oxygen levels in the body, known as intermittent hypoxia.

鈥淲hile it is well established that sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, our study shows this condition has an impact on the cardiovascular system that can begin within a single day,鈥� says Glen Foster, an assistant professor of health and exercise science. 鈥淎fter just six hours of fluctuating oxygen levels, similar to what happens with sleep apnea, the body鈥檚 ability to regulate blood pressure is impaired.

鈥淭hese changes occurred almost immediately in healthy young adults who were not experiencing the cumulative effects years of sleep apnea could bring about.鈥�

As part of his study, Foster examined the impact of intermittent hypoxia on the cardiovascular system in 10 healthy young adults. Study participants wore a ventilating mask for six hours and oxygen levels were altered to mimic sleep apnea symptoms.

The study found that sleep apnea compromised the function of a person鈥檚 baroreceptors鈥攂iological sensors that regulate blood pressure. It also found damaging blood flow patterns in the legs, which over time could impact vascular health.

鈥淭hese findings suggest that interventions for people suffering sleep apnea should occur as soon as the condition is diagnosed,鈥� adds Foster.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, 5.4 million Canadians are either diagnosed with or at high risk for sleep apnea.

Foster鈥檚 research was recently published in the .