Have you been told that you snore through the night? Do you find that you wake up feeling more drained than when you went to bed? These are common signs of a condition called sleep apnea. It prevents you from getting the rest you deserve while you are counting sheep.
However, many people dismiss these symptoms, or if they are diagnosed, they don’t get the care they need. The truth is that sleep apnea is a serious condition that can spell bad news for things like your heart. Keep reading to learn more about the relationship between these two.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
When you are in dreamland, it’s a vital part of everyday life. This is the chance where your body can repair itself and strengthen your immune system. Getting adequate rest can help ensure that you stay your healthiest self, and sleep apnea disrupts this process.
This condition is when you stop breathing repeatedly throughout the night, for 10 seconds or longer, and at least five times an hour. This triggers your fight-or-flight response and wakes you up, so that you can regulate your breathing again. It can happen in two main ways:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the more common form, which happens when the muscles in your throat relax and block your airways.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): In this form, your brain doesn’t send the right signals to the muscles that control your breathing, making you stop inhaling and exhaling.
Can Sleep Apnea Affect Your Heart?
Recent studies have not shown a direct connection between your heart and sleep apnea, but there is a strong link present. The pair often worsens existing problems that you have because of the stress it puts on your heart. When you don’t get enough oxygen at night, your heart works harder to try to deliver it to the rest of your body.
As well, since it activates your fight-or-flight response, it releases adrenaline. This hormone elevates your blood pressure. When this happens over time, your blood vessels can be damaged, and you can have chronic high blood pressure. Researchers are also suspecting that sleep apnea can lead to irregular heart rhythms, which contribute to cardiac arrest.
Are There Signs of Sleep Apnea I Should Know?
This condition is more common in men and older adults, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the common symptoms. Here are some notable ones:
- Loud or consistent snoring
- Fatigue
- Feeling drowsy when driving
- Daytime exhaustion
- Waking up short of breath
- Issues with concentration and memory
The best way to find out if you have this disorder is to head to your dental sleep medicine office. You will be able to get a comprehensive sleep analysis, where you can get the treatment you need. Then you will be able to get back to restful nights.
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Rodgers has been helping his patients get undisturbed shuteye for over 20 years. He specializes in dental sleep medicine and is board-certified. Dr. Rodgers is committed to raising awareness of sleep issues and how treatments can be effective in letting you get the rest you need. If your loved ones say you snore throughout the night, visit our website to take our sleep assessment or call us at (770) 394-4310.