Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. If you snore loudly and feel tired after a night’s sleep, you might have sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is the more common form, occurs when throat muscles relax and block the flow of air into the lungs. It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of sleep apnea. Ask your provider about any sleep problem that leaves you fatigued, sleepy and irritable.
RISKS ARE SERIOUS
- Daytime fatigue. The repeated awakenings associated with sleep apnea make typical, restorative sleep impossible, in turn making severe daytime drowsiness, fatigue and irritability likely.
- High blood pressure or heart problems. Sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during OSA increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system.
- Liver problems. People with sleep apnea are more likely to have irregular results on liver function tests, and their livers are more likely to show signs of scarring, known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Type 2 diabetes. Having sleep apnea increases your risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
- Sleep-deprived partners. Loud snoring can keep anyone who sleeps nearby from getting good rest.
To learn more about Sleep Apnea, it’s symptoms and treatments – listen to my Podcast interview with
Dr. Waldemar Riefkohl, Board Certified Otolaryngologist and ENT specialist. Simply CLICK HERE to listen.
James Polakof, Ph.D. 