May 19, 2022
Snoring might cause you and your bed partner to have a restless night’s sleep. If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it’s a sign of a more significant problem. Other health problems, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, become more likely due to the illness. It may even put you in a more risky position on the road. However, treating sleep apnea can help alleviate or even cure some of these problems. As the title says, in this blog, we will discuss the different kinds of health issues that you can face due to OSA or obstructive sleep apnea.
High Blood Pressure
Sleep apnea can exacerbate if you already have it. Your body becomes stressed if you wake up frequently during the night. Your hormone systems go into overdrive; as a result, raising your blood pressure. When you can’t breathe well, your blood oxygen level lowers, which may exacerbate the condition.
But, going for professional treatment can make a difference. Some persons with high blood pressure who receive sleep apnea treatment will see their blood pressure drop. Their doctors may be able to reduce their blood pressure meds. Lastly, you should not discontinue or adjust your dose without consulting your doctor.
Heart Problems
Heart attacks are more common in people who have OSA. Low oxygen levels could be the cause. Strokes and atrial fibrillation (a rapid, fluttering heartbeat) have also been related to the illness.
Sleep apnea affects your body’s oxygen intake, making it difficult for your brain to regulate blood flow in your arteries and throughout your brain.
Type 2 Diabetes
Sleep apnea is common in individuals with this illness, with up to 80% of them having OSA. Obesity increases a person’s chances of developing both illnesses. Although studies haven’t proved a cause-and-effect relationship between sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes, lack of sleep can prevent your body from correctly utilizing insulin, which can lead to diabetes.
Gain In Weight
Obesity increases your risk of developing sleep apnea, which makes losing weight more difficult. When you’re overweight, fatty deposits in your neck can prevent you from breathing at night. On the other hand, sleep apnea might cause your body to produce more ghrelin, a hormone that makes you crave carbs and sweets. And if you’re constantly exhausted, you might not be able to convert the food you eat into energy as effectively, leading to weight gain.
What’s the good news? OSA treatment might improve your mood and give you more energy for exercise and other activities. This can aid weight loss, which can help with sleep apnea.
Metabolic Syndrome
This is a collection of health problems that have been connected to obstructive sleep apnea. If you have metabolic syndrome, you have at least three of the following conditions:
- High blood sugar
- High triglyceride levels, a form of blood fat
- Low “good” HDL cholesterol levels
- You have a lot of fat around your waist
- High blood pressure
As metabolic syndrome increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, it’s critical to speak with your doctor about treatment options and healthy lifestyle modifications.
Acid Reflux
Although there is no proof that sleep apnea causes this type of heartburn, many individuals believe it does. According to sleep specialists, treating reflux helps with apnea symptoms in some patients, while treating OSA helps with reflux symptoms.
Feeling Sleepy During The Day
Even when the sun is shining, you can feel exhausted. This is a common OSA symptom. It can affect everything from your mood to your ability to think clearly. Treatment for sleep apnea might help you get more restful sleep and feel less tired during the day.
We hope that you have now gained a clear idea about the health problems linked with sleep apnea. Book an appointment with Pacific Northwest Dental if you are looking for top-quality sleep apnea treatment in Beaverton, OR, and nearby.