Introduction
If you’re suffering from sleep apnea, you may be wondering what the condition is doing to your life. Sure, it’s easy to look at a laundry list of symptoms and think “well that doesn’t sound so bad,” but imagine yourself feeling foggy headed every morning and all day long. Or maybe you feel like something is missing when it comes to romance or sexual desire? Maybe you have trouble concentrating at work or school because of fatigue? Here are seven ways that sleep apnea can affect your life:
Sleep apnea may cause a lack of concentration.
While sleep apnea can cause you to fall asleep at any time, it’s especially dangerous when you do it while driving. You may feel like you can’t keep your eyes open or that your mind is foggy and full of cobwebs. This will make it difficult for you to focus on the road and stay alert.
Sleep apnea can also cause problems at work or school. Teachers and other professionals who need their attention focused and sharp may have trouble concentrating on their work if they have sleep apnea. Similarly, students may find that they are unable to focus in class because of their condition, which affects learning ability and performance in schoolwork.
Sleep apnea may cause your blood pressure to increase.
Sleep apnea can increase your blood pressure.
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death worldwide. Sleep apnea increases your likelihood of having high blood pressure by threefold to fourfold, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). People with sleep apnea who use continuous positive airway pressure machines (CPAPs) to treat their condition have lower average systolic and diastolic blood pressures than people who don’t use CPAPs for their sleep apnea symptoms, according to a study in Chest by researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso.[1]
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are experiencing signs that may point toward high or elevated blood pressure or hypertension—such as headaches or dizziness—your doctor will likely recommend that you monitor your BP at home using an automatic sphygmomanometer device for about a week before making any changes in medication.[2]
Sleep apnea may cause weight gain.
- Sleep apnea may cause weight gain.
- You may feel hungrier when you have sleep apnea.
- You might eat more than usual because you’re hungry.
- You could crave carbohydrates and junk food when you have sleep apnea, because they make your brain produce more serotonin, which makes you feel happy (and helps prevent the cravings).
Sleep apnea may reduce your libido
Having a low libido is an unfortunate side effect of sleep apnea. If you find yourself thinking about sex less and less, it may be because your quality of sleep has suffered. Sleep apnea affects the hormones that regulate your sexual appetite and desire, which can lead to lower levels of arousal.
As you go through the day without getting adequate restful sleep at night, you might also start feeling more tired throughout the day—and that could have an effect on your sex drive as well. When this happens, it’s important to talk with your partner so they know what’s going on and can give support when needed.
Sleep apnea may cause you to feel more depressed, and to have less emotional stability.
Sleep apnea may cause you to feel more depressed, and to have less emotional stability.
Sleep apnea may cause you to feel more aggressive, and more prone to emotional outbursts.
Sleep apnea may cause you to feel more tired, and to have less energy.
Sleep apnea may make you feel more aggressive, and more prone to emotional outbursts.
Sleep apnea may make you feel more aggressive, and more prone to emotional outbursts.
Sleep apnea can cause a lot of stress and frustration in your life. It might make you feel less confident and even depressed. And it can also make you feel more aggressive, which isn’t healthy for anyone involved.
Sleep apnea can be serious, but it’s also manageable. Talk to your doctor about having a sleep study and starting treatment.
Did you know that sleep apnea can cause serious health issues?
Sleep apnea is a common condition that causes your airway to collapse while you sleep. When this happens, it disrupts the normal flow of oxygen through your body and brain. Your body usually triggers an arousal response to open the airway and restore normal breathing, but if left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues like heart disease and high blood pressure.
If you think that you might have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor today! Sleep studies are quick and noninvasive so they won’t disrupt your daily routine—you can even do them at home with some special equipment from your doctor. You’ll also get recommendations for treatment options such as CPAP machines or dental appliances (mouth guards). Don’t let another day go by without being treated for this serious condition!
If you think you might have sleep apnea and are feeling any of these symptoms, see your doctor today for a sleep study!
If you think you might have sleep apnea and are feeling any of these symptoms, see your doctor today for a sleep study! Sleep apnea can be managed. It can be treated. And it’s dangerous—so don’t put off getting help if you think you might have it.
Sleep apnea is a serious health problem that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or just want to get tested for sleep apnea, visit www.yourdoctorsleepstudynow.com today to learn more about how we can help!
Conclusion
If you’re concerned that you might have sleep apnea, and these symptoms seem like they could be related, there’s no time like the present to get checked out by a doctor. Don’t let this condition go untreated any longer than it already has!