According to recent statistics, approximately 25 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. The condition causes an individual to stop breathing when sleeping momentarily. If not treated, sleep apnea can interfere with your sleep and increase the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Yet, most people with sleep apnea Bronx are not aware of it. Unlike many conditions, knowing can be challenging because you are asleep as it happens. Fortunately, there are telltale sleep apnea symptoms that occur even during the day. Keep reading to learn more about sleep apnea and the common symptoms you should look out for.
Snoring
Snoring results from the response of a partially closed airway. While snoring might be an annoying habit, it might also be a symptom of a significant health issue that needs to be taken seriously. Chronic and ongoing snoring should be a red flag. If you have been awakened by your partner or awakened yourself with a snore, you might be suffering from sleep apnea. One in three patients who snore is estimated to have obstructive sleep apnea. According to statistics, more than twenty million Americans are living with sleep apnea, with most unaware that they have this condition.
Daytime Sleepiness
Another telltale symptom of sleep apnea is daytime sleepiness. While it is normal to feel sleepy during the day once in a while, particularly when you wake up earlier than usual or stay up too late, experiencing regular daytime sleepiness could be a possible cause of sleep apnea. While daytime sleepiness due to sleep apnea seems harmless, there are some serious risks. These include; increased risk of work and car accidents, reduced productivity, relationship, and social problems, and issues controlling your emotions and moods. Also, if you always have a full night’s sleep but still feel tired throughout the day, you may suffer from sleep apnea.
Weight Gain
Another common symptom of sleep apnea is weight gain. If you notice unexplained weight gain or find it hard to lose weight, you might have sleep apnea. The period when your body stops to breathe momentarily causes insufficient oxygen to the bloodstream and brain, which might cause various health issues, including reduced ability to burn calories. Also, disrupted night sleep causes your body not to rest fully and recharge, which makes it difficult to lose weight. You won’t be able to exercise during the day and will often reach for too sugary snacks and drinks to boost your energy levels, increasing your chances of weight gain.
A good night’s sleep is vital for your overall health but can be highly disrupted by sleep apnea, putting you at risk of serious diseases. Fortunately, there is a way to control it. Treatments such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) have been proven effective with sleep apnea. The treatment keeps your airways open and provides sufficient oxygen into your lungs as you sleep. Losing excess weight can also help ease the symptoms of sleep apnea. Don’t allow this condition to reduce your quality of life. If you recognize any symptoms, talk to your doctor for the best-customized treatment.
