Ways Sleep Apnea Can Harm Your Health
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can have many harmful effects on your health. Sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even death if left untreated. It is important to seek treatment for sleep apnea if you think you may have it. Sleep apnea in Huntington Beach can also cause problems with your memory, mood, and energy levels.
It can make concentrating difficult and make you more likely to have accidents. If you have sleep apnea, you may snore loudly or stop breathing for short periods while you sleep. These pauses in breathing can last from a few seconds to minutes, and they may happen many times during the night. You may not be aware of sleep apnea, but it can disrupt your sleep and make you feel exhausted during the day.
Sleep apnea is more common in people who are overweight, have large necks, or have family members with the condition. It is also more common in men than women and becomes more likely as you age.
There are various ways to treat sleep apnea, including:
- Weight loss: If you are overweight, losing even a few pounds can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea. Being overweight means having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher. It would help if you saw your doctor to determine your BMI.
- Exercise: Exercise can help improve your breathing and overall health. It can also help you lose weight.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking: Alcohol and smoking can make sleep apnea worse. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. If you smoke, quitting can significantly improve your sleep apnea.
- Sleep on your side: Sleeping on your back can worsen sleep apnea. Try sleeping on your side to reduce the severity of your sleep apnea.
- Use a humidifier: A humidifier can help keep your throat and nose moist, which can ease breathing and reduce snoring.
- Get a CPAP machine: A CPAP machine is a small device that uses gentle air pressure to keep your airway open while you sleep. It is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea, but it can take some time to get used to it.
Now that you know the different treatments for this condition, below are some of the ways sleep apnea can affect your health:
High blood pressure
Did you know that sleep apnea can predispose you to high blood pressure? This is because when you stop breathing, your blood pressure rises. Over time, this can damage your heart and increase your risk of stroke. If you have sleep apnea, it is important to get treated so you can lower your blood pressure.
Heart disease
Sleep apnea can also lead to heart disease. This is because when your blood pressure is high, it puts a strain on your heart. This can damage your heart and increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Stroke
This is another severe complication of sleep apnea. When you stop breathing, it decreases the amount of oxygen your brain gets. This can damage your brain and lead to a stroke.
If you think you may have sleep apnea, you must see your doctor at Orange Coast Dental Specialty to get treated. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, so don’t wait to get help.
