Guide To Sleep Apnea And How It Affects Your Health
Guide To Sleep Apnea And How It Affects Your Health
Guide To Sleep Apnea And How It Affects Your Health
Sleep apnea is a significant sleep condition in which a person's breathing is repeatedly interrupted while sleeping. Untreated sleep apnea causes people to stop breathing periodically during the night, up to hundreds of times. The shortage of oxygen during a sleep apnea episode frequently jolts you awake for so short a time that you don't recognize it.
However, because of these interruptions to your natural sleep cycle, you spend more time in light sleep and less time in deep, restorative sleep, which is required to remain energetic, intellectually sharp, and productive the following morning.
So read on to learn everything you need to know about this condition and how it impacts your health.
Sleep Apnea Classifications
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
It is the most frequent kind of obstructive sleep apnea. When the muscles that support the soft tissues of the upper airway relax while sleeping, they impede the usual flow of air into and out of the nose and mouth. This typically leads to a lot of snoring and breathing difficulties.
Central Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea involving the central nervous system is a significantly less prevalent kind of sleep apnea. It happens when the brain ceases delivering instructions to the muscles that govern breathing for a brief period. An underlying health problem is frequently the cause. Snoring is uncommon in those who have central sleep apnea.
Potential Causes Of Sleep Apnea
Sex
Men are far more prevalent than women to suffer from sleep apnea, while the occurrence in women increases after menopause.
Getting Older
Sleep apnea may occur at any age, although it becomes more frequent as you become older. According to research, its prevalence peaks in people's 50s and 60s before plateauing.
A Person's Weight
Overweight people are at a substantially higher risk of developing sleep apnea, and obese people are much more at risk.
Anatomical Distinctions
A tiny upper airway, a short or receding jaw, a long soft palate, a high tongue position, a deviated septum, and enlarged tonsils and adenoids are all physical characteristics that might contribute to sleep apnea.
Effects Of Sleep Apnea On Your Health?
Sleep apnea, if left untreated, can lead to a variety of health issues including the following:
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Sleep apnea might exacerbate the condition if you already have it. Your body becomes strained when you wake up frequently during the night. This causes your hormone systems to go into overdrive, raising your blood pressure.
Cardiovascular Disease
Individuals who struggle with Apnea are more prone to suffer from a heart attack. Low oxygen levels might be the source of the problem. Strokes and atrial fibrillation, or a rapid, fluttering heartbeat, are also associated with the condition.
Diabetes Type 2
Sleep apnea is widespread in patients with this disorder, with up to 80% of them suffering from it.
Sleepiness During The Day
Even though the sun has risen, you are exhausted. This is a frequent Apnea symptom. Everything from your mood to your ability to think effectively might be affected by it.
Memory Lapses
Some older persons have greater memory lapses or cognitive issues than others their age. This is referred to as mild cognitive impairment by doctors.
Depression
Sleep deprivation may increase your risk of depression. Furthermore, depression may increase your chances of having poor sleep.
How A Doctor Can Help You With Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can be treated, which is excellent news. Simple lifestyle adjustments to the use of a breathing apparatus while sleeping are all the options for treatment. Your first visit should be to a doctor's office if you suspect you could have sleep apnea. Bring a record of your sleep, such as a journal of when you sleep, your degrees of weariness, and other symptoms, to your visit. You should also inquire with your spouse whether you are experiencing any symptoms such as snoring, gasping, or stopped breathing.
To diagnose sleep apnea, your doctor may prescribe a sleep study, which may need an overnight stay at a sleep clinic. Therefore, depending on your symptoms, you may be able to perform sleep apnea testing at home. Physicians will examine elements such as your brain waves, eye movement, heart rate, and oxygen levels during an in-lab sleep study to see if you have sleep apnea and how serious it is.
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