Can Crestor cause Sleep Apnea?

Chip,

Thanks for your question.  I have not found any articles that indicate that Crestor (or statins in general) causes sleep apnea.  I cannot think of a possible mechanism of how statin medication could cause this problem.  

Most patients with sleep apnea are unaware of any problem.  It is usually the person sharing the bed (or someone else in the home) that notices the loud snoring, irregular breathing which includes periods where the person stops breathing followed by a loud snorting when he/she finally takes a deep breath. 

Symptoms associated with sleep apnea include daytime fatigue, never getting a "good night's sleep", and irritability.  Left untreated, sleep apnea can cause and contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. 

In your situation, it's hard to implicate the crestor.  Sleep apnea is not something that occurs in a short period of time, but rather develops over time.  Also, not all people that snore have sleep apnea.  It's not possible for you to know how long you've been snoring so loudly, unless someone is witnessing these changes.  And finally, the only real way to make the diagnosis of sleep apnea is to undergo a sleep study in a sleep lab where your heart beat, breathing, oxygen levels, muscle activity, brain activity, eye movements are all electronically monitored as well as someone actually watching you sleep.

I'm not saying it's impossible that the crestor is causing your symptoms, but it is unlikely.  I suggest you see your physician to further investigate your symptoms as well as discussing your concerns with him/her.  Also mention the possibility of obtaining a sleep study which should include a visit with a pulmonologist who is certified in sleep medicine.  He will be able to shed more light on your whole situation.

Best wishes.

Martin Cane, M.D.