Sleep apnea has come under the public lense in recent years and for good reason. This condition has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. We continue to learn more about the causes and effects of this dangerous condition as more studies are conducted.
3 Effects of Sleep Apnea You Need to Know
Sleep apnea is a condition where you stop breathing several times throughout the night as you sleep. It is associated with snoring, though not all who snore have sleep apnea, and generally makes for an extremely unrestful night. People with this condition are also generally overweight. Here are 3 more effects you may not be aware of:
1) Increases blood sugar and fat levels
Sleep apnea increases free fatty acids and glucose in the bloodstream. This indicates sleep apnea isn’t a result of obesity, rather it can be an aggravator of this condition as it affects your metabolism.
2) Increases stress
Sleep apnea has been demonstrated to increase the cortisol levels in your blood. Cortisol is a stress hormone. This means sleep apnea directly increases your stress levels while you sleep each night.
3) Increases blood pressure
It also increases your blood pressure and adds stress to your cardiovascular system. It may stiffen your arteries. Over time, increased blood pressure and stiffened arteries may contribute to cardiovascular disease. All of this while you’re sleeping!
That Snore May Be Serious
As mentioned before, not all who snore have sleep apnea, but if it’s coupled with poor sleep, it’s definitely a cause for concern. You can’t afford to let this condition go unchecked as it can aggravate other serious conditions such as heart disease and obesity. Not only can it cause TMJ, but other effects of sleep apnea may put your health very literally at risk.
Don’t wait! Contact Us for a professional evaluation and diagnosis if you suspect you or a loved one has sleep apnea. Your health may depend on it.