Few things can give you the same energy as a good night’s rest. Without sleepless nights, interrupted sleep and discomfort from the temperature – only a deep immersion in the kingdom of Morpheus, giving energy for accomplishments. Sleep apnea entails not just a deterioration in the quality of rest. This disease has a negative impact on the cardiovascular system, psyche, the state of blood vessels and even affects life expectancy.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious problem associated with breathing problems during sleep. The condition is characterized by a temporary cessation of breathing, usually caused by the relaxation of the pharyngeal muscles. This can lead to the blockage of the airways. In some cases, patients wake up with a feeling of suffocation and lack of air. Often, people do not realize that they are subject to these episodes.
It should be noted that ignoring sleep apnea and not getting the necessary treatment can lead to extremely negative health consequences.
The Effects of Sleep Apnea on Health
Sleep apnea is more than just snoring and fatigue. Lack of oxygen during sleep has serious health effects:
- Cardiovascular system: The drop in oxygen levels during sleep apnea causes the heart to work harder, raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of hypertension, heart attack, heart failure and stroke. Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation) may occur, which increases the risk of blood clots and sudden cardiac arrest.
- Type 2 diabetes: Sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its worsening. Obesity is a common risk factor for apnea and diabetes.
- Vision problems: Sleep apnea may be associated with flaccid eyelid syndrome, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and possibly glaucoma.
- Liver damage: Sleep apnea, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure increase the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Treatment of sleep apnea
The problem of sleep apnea can be successfully solved and controlled with the right approach.
In some cases, making adjustments to daily habits can significantly reduce the manifestations of apnea. Such measures include: maintaining an optimal weight, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and following a sleep schedule. Other patients benefit from CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) at night.
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