When it comes to your health, there are plenty of factors that can influence your well-being. The food and drinks you consume, the physical activity you engage in, and any mental stresses you undergo all contribute to your health.
Sleep is also a critical element in ensuring your well-being, but it’s something that some people may particularly struggle with. Sleeping disorders like sleep apnea can often go undetected, but there are several risks associated with it. Keep reading to find out more.
The Definition of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition wherein an individual’s upper airway muscles contract, which can prevent a person from getting enough air into their lungs. This is often characterized by uneven breathing or gasping for air during sleep. Some people with sleep apnea may also snore loudly in an attempt to get more breaths in.
It’s recommended to get yourself diagnosed by a medical professional if you are suspected to have sleep apnea. Do note that there are two types of sleep apnea and that you could be categorized under obstructive sleep apnea or central sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea is more common as the inconsistent airflow is due to the nose or mouth. This is opposed to central sleep apnea, where the airflow is unstable because of the brain’s lack of signals.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
As mentioned above, sleep apnea has several health risks that you should definitely be wary of. Each person’s experience may be different, and the dangers depend on what type of sleep apnea they have. Seek out medical experts and their diagnosis of what you will be facing. Here are four common dangers that people with sleep apnea face:
- Unexplainable Mood Swings. Sleep apnea can cause a person to be drowsy at all times, causing them to feel perpetually tired. This fatigue can often translate to mood swings, headaches, lack of productivity, and more.
- Lack of Control Over Weight. Not everyone with sleep apnea is dealing with being overweight or obese, but there is some difficulty controlling one’s weight. Women who may put on weight before and after menopause may be subject to sleep apnea.
- Cardiovascular Health. Sleep apnea’s effects of preventing you from getting enough air have been linked to heart diseases. Some would also state that heart attacks and strokes are more likely to happen.
- Risk of Diabetes. People with sleep apnea have increased chances of diabetes and other illnesses involving their metabolic health. This is because sleep apnea can affect blood sugar levels.
The Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Seek out medical advice about what treatment will be best suited for you. Some people find that weight loss works for them, reducing the severity of their sleep apnea. Medication may be prescribed for any specific lapses in your cardiovascular or metabolic health.
Others also found that medical care for your lung health would be necessary to conduct sleep studies and provide CPAP therapy. Essentially, a continuous positive airway pressure machine will be used in order to create air pressure and regulate breathing while asleep.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea and the risks that come with it can lower your quality of life, which is why it’s important to attend to it rather than leaving it uncontrolled. Don’t wait for any dangers to occur and just schedule an appointment right away.
Need a general doctor? Garden State Medical Group’s board-certified physicians and specialists practice multidisciplinary, integrative, and functional medicine. Get in touch with us today!