Why is Sleep Apnea Getting More Dangerous in Everyday Life?

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Various types of sleep apnea affect the human body in different ways. People with sleep apnea often feel that they haven’t slept at all making them exhausted and tired for the whole next day.

  • Obstructive sleep apnea affects people with the narrow throat. As a result, they often have trouble breathing. It can be a dangerous condition.
  • Central Sleep Apnea may be asymptomatic or chronic. In this case, the person may not even know they have the disorder.

Be it obstructive sleep apnea or central sleep apnea; it can increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, fatigue, and several other healthcare problems.

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has increased significantly over the past two decades. It is now one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Many people with this disorder don’t even realize that they are at risk for heart disease and high blood pressure, both of which are linked to sleep apnea. Additionally, the repeated disturbance in breathing during sleep puts people at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, it’s essential to seek a proper diagnosis. The most effective way to determine if you have the disorder is by taking a sleep study.

Consulting a sleep apnea doctor will help identify the problem and treat it well in time. If you are struggling with any kind of sleep disorder, you must visit a center for sleep apnea and TMJ, as they provide highly effective care and the best treatment for sleep apnea.

People with sleep apnea may risk experiencing a heart attack or stroke if proper care is not taken for long. This disorder can have significant health risks in everyday life and has been correlated with an increased risk of accidents. In some cases, the condition is severe enough that the person has a high risk of becoming depressed. More than just disturbing your sleep, sleep apnea, when left untreated, can contribute to several long-term health risks as discussed below:

Asthma & Other Respiratory Disorders

Sleep apnea can worsen asthma symptoms, especially in adults. It can also lead to various respiratory disorders if left untreated for a long time. If a person struggling with sleep apnea smokes or works in a highly polluted environment, it can affect the respiratory system vigorously. The risk of sleep apnea increases as the person is living in high-altitude regions. As a result, the oxygen level in the body is often thrown off and can cause heart failure. Even at low altitudes, the condition can cause chronic sleep apnea.

Depression

Depression is common among patients struggling with sleep apnea or related disorders. Because of continuous disturbance in sleep and not getting sufficient rest, they are more likely to get depressed and frustrated with life. This is one of the main reasons sleep apnea is so dangerous in everyday life. The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea is increasing in the elderly, as is its impact on the workplace and personal life. The lack of sleep is detrimental to one’s mental and physical health, so it’s essential to be treated promptly by some good sleep apnea doctors. Sleep apnea associated with depression results in learning difficulties as well as disrupts the day-to-day routine.

Heart Problems

Because the risk of heart disease increases with age, obstructive sleep apnea is one of the leading causes of mortality in people. As a result, more physicians are now directing patients with obstructive sleep apnea to a center for sleep apnea and TMJ. This condition is common in the elderly, so treatment is essential. It is associated with a reduction in blood pressure and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

High Blood Pressure

Irregular or high blood pressure affects the breathing cycle, which can be fatal at times. It can result in increased blood pressure, making it difficult to breathe. Other side-effects include daytime sleepiness, lowered performance, and higher stress levels. Those who suffer from sleep apnea may suffer from hypertension, high blood pressure, and other severe conditions. Those suffering from sleep apnea should learn more about this condition.

High Blood Sugar & Diabetes

Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA is often associated with other chronic problems, such as diabetes or high blood sugar level in the body. The lack of sleep has several harmful effects on various body systems. It also worsens the symptoms of obstructive pulmonary disease and leads to difficulty in exercising. Insulin resistance can even lead to diabetes T2. For some, these conditions are more symptomatic than others.

Low Blood Oxygen Level

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the muscles of the throat relax and narrow, preventing a person from breathing fully. As a result, the blood oxygen level falls, and the brain wakes up. The body awakens each time this happens, disrupting sleep. Some people have a thick neck and face, which contributes to the narrowing of the airway. The causes of sleep apnea being multifactorial, lifestyle and genetic factors can increase a person’s risk.

Low Libido & Sexual Desire

Sleep apnea can adversely affect your sexual lifestyle. In men, it might contribute to erectile dysfunction. A person struggling with chronic sleep apnea may have little to no energy for sex and thus low libido. In short, the effects of sleep apnea are hazardous to both your body and your life. Although the disease is not fatal, it affects the overall quality of one’s life. Those who suffer from this condition need to get tested regularly at a reliable and trustworthy center for sleep apnea and TMJ for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Obesity & Fatigue

In addition to the symptoms and the health risks associated with obstructive sleep apnea, the disorder can be linked to other conditions such as heart failure, obesity, fatigue, and opioid pain medications. It can also contribute to the development of certain chronic conditions, such as fatty liver disease and liver scarring. If left untreated, this condition can lead to an increased risk of death. The interrupted sleep at night can make you feel sleepy, tired, and lazy during the daytime. This often leads to obesity, overweight problems, and fatigue.

Consult a sleep apnea doctor immediately if you are dealing with OSA and obesity, as it could be an alarming situation for your health.

Treatment becomes vital when sleep apnea starts affecting your health and overall lifestyle. A well-structured sleep study can help determine the best treatment for your specific case.

Author picture

Sam works as the Senior Marketing Consultant at Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ, which offers the best treatment for sleep apnea in Richland. His long years in the field allow him to help people by suggesting the best sleep apnea specialist in Richland for their specific conditions.

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