As people dedicated to the treatment of sleep disorders, we may come across as obsessed about sleep apnea. There’s a good reason for that, though: Not only can sleep apnea cause complications such as diabetes, weight gain, and hypertension, it can also result in death. That’s not hyperbole, either. Occasionally, apnea sufferers literally die from the effects of the disease. At The TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Northern Indiana, we want to make sure you are fully aware of just how dangerous a “simple” snore might be.
A Friendly Reminder
During apneic events, breathing ceases completely for several consecutive seconds, multiple times each night. When this happens, your blood is deprived of oxygen. Your brain tries to compensate by sending signals to the nervous system; these signals constrict the blood vessels in order to increase the flow of oxygen. This nighttime increase in blood pressure eventually begins to happen during the day when you’re not having apneic incidents, putting you at risk for potentially deadly problems, including heart attacks.
It Gets Worse
Because apnea sufferers are chronically exhausted, they are rarely able to get the vigorous aerobic exercise that increases blood oxygen levels and strengthens the heart. As a result in disruptions in the productions of hormones that regulate hunger, they are also likely to gain weight, putting further strain on the heart.
Don’t Let This Happen to You
If you have any reasons to suspect that you have apnea — such as snoring, high blood pressure, and being excessively tired during the day — it’s time for a sleep study. Once diagnosed, we can help treat your apnea so you can return to optimal health and reduce your risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart attacks. It could be a matter of life or death, and there are people who care for and count on you to be around for a long time. If you live in Granger, Indiana, or the surrounding communities, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Don’t wait another minute to seek treatment.