Why You Should Never Ignore Sleep Apnea, According to a Sleep Center
Why You Should Never Ignore Sleep Apnea, According to a Sleep Center
Snoring may seem like a natural occurrence among people having a good night's sleep, but are you aware that your snoring might actually be putting your life at risk? If you've been told that you've been choking or gasping while you sleep, or if you've been experiencing headaches during the morning, you might already be suffering from sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea may seem like a typical sleeping disorder, but it's actually a serious condition that afflicts one in every 15 American adults. More than causing headaches in the morning, sleep apnea can have negative effects on your health.
Sleep apnea can lead to weight gain
Overweight people can have a higher chance of suffering from sleep apnea. This is because they can have fatty deposits in your neck, which then blocks your breathing at night. Sleep apnea can also cause you to gain more weight, as it makes your body release more of the hormone ghrelin. This hormone is responsible in making you crave carbs and sweets.
Sleep apnea can worsen high blood pressure
Those who already have high blood pressure may find themselves in a worse state when they suffer from sleep apnea. When your oxygen levels in your blood drops or you find yourself waking up often during the night, your hormone systems go haywire, thus boosting your blood pressure levels.
Sleep apnea may increase your risk of getting involved in a car accident
It's important that you get proper rest before getting behind the wheel, otherwise you lose focus and find yourself drifting off to sleep while on the road. In fact, experts suggest that people with sleep apnea are five times more likely to be involved in a car accidents than normal sleepers.
Sleep apnea may put your heart at risk
Since sleep apnea causes low oxygen levels, your brain is having difficulty in controlling how blood flows through the arteries, and the heart will have to work extra hard as well. In fact, sleep apnea has been linked to several heart diseases, including atrial fibrillation, strokes, and even heart attacks.
Once you begin manifesting signs of sleep apnea, it's important to take immediate steps to treat this condition. Fortunately, a brandon sleep center, like Bay Area TMJ & Sleep Center, offers a wide range of treatment options.
To learn more about why you shouldn't ignore sleep apnea, visit webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea-conditions.
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Submitted on: 2016-06-06 19:38:44