We sleep for roughly one-third of our lives. It is, therefore, not surprising that sleep has a profound impact on our health and well-being. A sleep disorder called sleep apnea can have significant impacts on your physical and mental health. Sleep apnea occurs when breathing stops or becomes shallow during sleep due to muscular relaxation in the throat or tongue blocking their airway. This causes periods where they stop breathing for up to 10 seconds at a time! The duration of these pauses in breathing increases as you age, so it is essential to be aware if you are experiencing any symptoms of sleep apnea.
Symptoms include sleepiness during the day, snoring at night, or choking and gasping for air while you sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to several health problems, including high blood pressure, depression, type two diabetes, and an increased risk of heart disease. Some people even have severe accidents because they fall asleep in dangerous situations, such as driving a car or climbing a staircase.
Continuing sleep apnea’s negative impact on your health, sleepiness during the day can lead to impaired cognitive function and memory loss.
Studies have shown that sleep deprivation may be just as bad for you mentally as not getting enough food! If this sleep deprivation continues, it can contribute to many issues that are detrimental to your health, such as:
- Sleep apnea can harm your heart health: sleep apnea increases the risk of sleep-disordered breathing.
- Sleep apnea may increase your risk of stroke.
- Sleep apnea may cause weight gain.
- Sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure.
- Sleep apnea raises your risk of type 2 diabetes.
End sleep apnea’s negative impact on your health by getting tested for sleep apnea today. The earlier you get treated, the better! Sleep well tonight, knowing that sleep apnea isn’t hurting your health anymore. The sleep doctor will give you a complete sleep study test to diagnose any problems with sleep breathing and help determine if an oral appliance or CPAP machine is necessary.
Get Healthy After Sleep Apnea in Washington
Dr. Buck is a face orthopedist who practices in Washington State. Dr. Buck and his fellow ENT specialists and pulmonologists help their patients with sleep apnea by working together and pooling their skills. You can discover relief from the severity of sleep breathing disorders and lessen symptoms with Dr. Buck and his staff. Please call us today at 425-361-7499 to arrange an appointment to learn more about Dr. Buck’s office and the treatment options he offers. You can also reach out to us by filling out our online form.
