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The long-term health impact of sleep apnea on our health
Snoring is mostly considered to be an annoyance for some and is downright funny for others as it can lead to some comical moments when you wake up, however, snoring might also have a more dangerous, sinister side that you might not be aware of.
Millions of people around the world unknowingly suffer from sleep apnea – a condition that could lead to potentially life-threatening diseases such as type 2 diabetes or heart disease if left untreated. With over 80% of adults around the world suspected to have moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea, the world needs a wake-up call, fast!
What are some of the common symptoms of sleep apnea?
The first and most noticeable symptom of sleep apnea is waking up frequently during the night and gasping for air. This is mostly first noticed by bed partners and family members. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include daytime fatigue, the need to take naps during daytime, morning headaches, restlessness, waking up frequently and sometimes seeming to hold your breath while sleeping.
Is that all?
Nope. Sleep apnea has a host of other signs, symptoms and effects on our life that we commonly blame on other conditions. These include:
- Inability to concentrate
- Morning headaches
- Waking up at night
- Depression, anxiety, irritability and mood swings
- A sore throat on waking up
- Frequent night-time urination
- Dozing off while driving
- Insomnia of unknown origin
- Night sweats
- Daytime fatigue
- Foggy memory
- Hypertension
- Erectile dysfunction in men
Isn’t sleep apnea a disease of old men?
Actually, no. Sleep apnea can affect men and women of all ages, including children. Although women might not be persistent or loud snorers like men but may experience mood disturbances, depression, anxiety and restless leg syndrome due to sleep apnea. In children, attention issues, disruptive behaviour, hyperactivity, and communication issues are now being recognized as potential symptoms of sleep apnea.
How do I know if I am at risk?
Although just about anyone can suffer from sleep apnea, some predispositions can cause an early onset or aggravate sleep apnea in some individuals. This includes:
- Obesity
- Large neck size
- Enlarged tonsils
- Substance abuse such as sedatives, narcotics, smoking and alcohol
- Deviated septum
- Breathing problems due to allergies
- A class II skeletal pattern
How can I get tested for sleep apnea?
A sleep study is a non-invasive test for sleep apnea that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Sleep specialists from Sanrai will monitor you while you’re asleep and provide you with a diagnosis once the test is over.
What are the long-term effects of sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea has been linked to a lot of long-term problems that include:
- Traffic accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Memory loss
- Decreased productivity at work
- Job losses
- Heart disease
- Type 2 Diabetes
And many more. These conditions can cause physical, mental and financial distress for individuals and families and must be addressed at the earliest.
What are my treatment options?
A CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine is the first line of treatment for sleep apnea. This machine gently pumps air into your lungs, keeping the airways open and eliminating the incidents of sleep apnea.
How will a CPAP machine help me?
A CPAP machine will help you sleep better and wake up to a better morning. A good night’s sleep has more benefits than you expect it to have. Take a deep breath, relax, get some shut-eye and let our CPAP machines do the rest.
In India, CPAP machines by manufacturers such as ResMed are brought to you by Sanrai – an innovative global distributor of medical products that are focused to ensure your good health. Sanrai puts its focus on ensuring quality products, timely service, and a world-class support system that is there for you when you need it the most.
