HomeSleep Apnea is Dangerous
23 Dec, 2011
Sleep Apnea is Dangerous
Many people who have heard of the condition ‘Sleep Apnea’ probably do not consider it a real threat. This is mostly because the part of the condition that is usually highlighted is the interrupted sleep, shortness of breath and snoring.
Many people consider these symptoms as simply a nuisance and not indicators of a life threatening condition and as such some of them who suffer from or know of someone who suffers from the condition; do not handle it with the seriousness it deserves. Although death is usually the most extreme result of the condition, people still have to realize that sleep apnea is dangerous.
Why Sleep Apnea is Dangerous
What usually happens in patients who suffer form sleep apnea is that while they are sleeping, the tongue and throat tissue collapse towards the throat, blocking the air passage. This blockage results in the person not being able to take in the required air capacity and as such they start to snore.
Once they start snoring, it usually takes around ten seconds for them to force air out of their lungs and into their throat, in a violent manner that jerks them from their sleep. This can happen around fifty times and hour and disrupts the deep sleep that is required for the human body to function normally. This lack of sleep in itself is the root case for why sleep apnea is dangerous.
How Sleep Apnea is Dangerous
When the human body does not get the required amount of rest, the results are usually lack of concentration, fatigue and poor performance whether physical or mentally. These however are just the beginning. Sleep apnea, if left unchecked for a long time can lead to short term memory loss, impotence in men, fibromyalgia, major depression, insomnia, gastric reflux and even diabetes.
These conditions in turn can also lead to more sever complications such as heart disease and increased stroke chances. In addition to this sleep apnea is dangerous to those surrounding the people who suffer from it, as they will also experience sleep depravation and the symptoms that come along with it; due to the incessant snoring caused by sleep apnea.
If you would like to know more about why and how sleep apnea is dangerous as well as our treatments available for this condition, please contact us for an appointment or more information.
