Can lupus cause sleep apnea?

Possible: Data on sleep disorders in luous is an area where research is lacking. But studies do suggest "sleep disorders like sleep apnea, insomnia and periodic limb movements are common in lupus patients". Lack of restorative sleep causes increase in inflammation which can aggravate lupus activity. It is important you discuss your sleep problems at your next rheumatologist. Sleep is important for health.

Probably not: Lupus by itself will not cause sleep apnea. Apnea is usually obstructive, which is due to being overweight, or having excessive amounts of tissue in the back of the throat. Rarely, it can be central (coming from the brain being "lazy" with breathing), but this would not be present unless your lupus has significant neurological involvement.

Unlikely: Lupus as a disease does not cause sleep apnea. A constricted airway is the cause of sleep apnea, whether there is excess tissue in the neck region or the lower jaw is positioned back.