A study on a large group of veterans showed that untreated obstructive sleep apnea doubles the risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to patients who used CPAP (a device to maintain the airway during sleep) treatment. This relationship remained significant even after accounting for factors such as age, obesity and high blood pressure. Researchers hypothesize that repeated drops in oxygen during sleep may damage neurons, contributing to the development of Parkinson's disease. Using a CPAP machine can reduce the risk of developing this neurodegenerative disease by up to 30%. The results also suggest that improving sleep quality and regular treatment of sleep apnoea may have a protective effect on the brain. Parkinson's disease is also associated with circadian rhythm disturbances, which can worsen motor and cognitive symptoms of the disease. Overall, the study highlights the importance of diagnosing and treating sleep disorders to prevent serious neurological diseases.