Study reveals overactive brainstem in sleep apnea due to oxytocin and CRH, potentially leading to targeted blood pressure drugs.

A study by the University of Missouri found that neurochemicals oxytocin and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) cause the brainstem to become overactive in sleep apnea sufferers, leading to hypertension. This discovery may lead to targeted drugs to control blood pressure and reduce associated health risks for sleep apnea patients. Sleep apnea affects around 40 million adults in the US, with many using CPAP machines during sleep.