Beyond regular exercise and a healthy diet, sleep quality is equally important to our overall well-being. Without adequate sleep quality, our immune system becomes more vulnerable, and our health ultimately suffers.
Sleep apnea is one sleep disorder that can seriously impact sleep quality. It should not be taken lightly, as it not only disrupts sleep but can also pose significant risks to your overall health.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is characterized by interrupted or stopped breathing during sleep. Those who suffer from sleep apnea can stop breathing for approximately 10 seconds at a time, hundreds of times throughout the night. Because this occurs repeatedly, oxygen levels in the body drop, which can force the heart to work harder.
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View Product Free ConsultationAs a result, the heart rhythm becomes irregular, and blood vessels may narrow as they adapt to the reduced oxygen supply. This condition is particularly dangerous as it can cause the body to become oxygen-deprived, leading to episodes of breathlessness during the night.
In addition, sleep apnea is often associated with heart disease and metabolic conditions such as diabetes. The following are some of the health problems that sleep apnea sufferers may face:
Hypertension
People with sleep apnea commonly experience difficulty breathing, which can cause oxygen levels in the body to drop sharply. When oxygen levels fall, receptors in the brain signal blood vessels to deliver more oxygen to the heart and brain so the body can continue to function properly. This increased blood flow places added pressure on the walls of the blood vessels. As a result, individuals with sleep apnea typically face a significantly higher risk of developing hypertension.
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Heart Disease
People with sleep apnea are also at greater risk of heart attack, largely due to low oxygen levels. Furthermore, stroke and atrial fibrillation are frequently associated with this condition. Sleep apnea is known to interfere with the body's ability to absorb oxygen, making it difficult for the brain to regulate blood flow in the arteries and the brain itself.
Diabetes
For people with diabetes, sleep apnea can make managing the condition considerably more difficult. This occurs because snoring and repeated breathing pauses during sleep lead to elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood. High blood carbon dioxide levels can result in serious health consequences, including insulin resistance (where the body does not use insulin effectively), chronic high blood pressure, heart problems or an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and nighttime headaches.
Difficulty Losing Weight
Sleep apnea can cause the body to release more ghrelin, a hormone that triggers cravings for high-carbohydrate and sugary foods. Additionally, sleep apnea can leave sufferers feeling fatigued throughout the day and reluctant to be physically active. This prevents the body from efficiently converting food into energy, ultimately leading to weight gain.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
There are several signs of sleep apnea that can be easily observed, including:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Depression.
- Irritability.
- Sexual dysfunction.
- Snoring.
- Feeling tired almost all the time.
However, to confirm whether you truly have sleep apnea, it is best to consult a specialist.
Treating Sleep Apnea
If your examination confirms that you have sleep apnea, your doctor will typically prescribe a device called a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). This device is worn by sleep apnea patients every time they sleep. It works by delivering continuous air pressure to keep the airway open throughout the night.
CPAP therapy is the most commonly used treatment for sleep apnea. Similar in appearance to a ventilator, the device supplies a steady flow of air through the nose during sleep, keeping the airway open so that oxygen can flow in freely.
The best CPAP therapy devices are available at Resindo Medika, the authorized distributor and service center for ResMed in Indonesia. In addition to CPAP therapy devices, Resindo Medika also provides a complete range of masks and accessories, along with reliable servicing and calibration support. One stop solution for all your therapy needs!
Given everything discussed above, do not ignore habitual snoring or breathing pauses during sleep — especially if you also have diabetes. Consult a doctor promptly to receive the appropriate treatment and care.
