How Serious Is Snoring And Sleep Apnea?

If you are a snorer, then you could make sleep difficult for others around you. But the problem with snoring that, if it is a symptom of sleep apnea, your own health could be at risk – and not simply due to a poor sleep.

Sleep apnea is a condition where your airways are constantly blocked when you are sleeping. That means during the night, you experience quick yet frequent interruptions. These nightly interruptions can have serious consequences for your overall health and well-being.

Just how serious is sleep apnea? Here are some of the affects you could experience:

1. Increased blood pressure: Sleep apnea can increase your blood pressure, which can be detrimental for those whose pressure is already high. The frequent wakeups stress your body, causing your hormones to increase, which raises your blood pressure levels. 
2. Type 2 diabetes: Here’s a noteworthy fact: more than 50% of people with diabetes have sleep apnea as well. The lack of restful sleep disrupts your body’s use of insulin, which leads to diabetes.
3. Heart disease: Constantly interrupted sleep affects how your body takes in oxygen. This means your brain and heart have to work harder to get the blood flowing around your body. Over time, this added stress can lead to heart disease or stroke.
4. Extra weight: The lack of a good night’s sleep can leave you with a lack of energy, making it more difficult to exercise. What’s worse is those extra pounds can raise increase the likelihood of worsening your sleep apnea.
5. Lack of concentration: Night after night, poor sleep can affect your ability to function and focus during the day. That inattention can be deadly for tasks where you need to be especially alert, such as driving or operating equipment.

While it may sound ominous, the good news is that there are ways to treat sleep apnea. Your doctor may recommend a CPAP machine, which sends a gentle pressure along your airways to keep them open while you snooze. Along with general care about your overall health, you can prevent or reduce the likelihood of getting the associated health issues of sleep apnea. Make an appointment with your doctor today and enjoy restful sleeps for years to come

Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.