There is more and more interest by the general public about sleep hygiene and the effects of good sleep on one’s overall health. If you aren’t aware of the adverse health effects, they are nothing to be ignored. The more you know about sleep quality, the better your chances of preventing some of these conditions.
Issues with insomnia often stem from eating too late, drinking caffeine or alcohol and anxiety or stress. Blue light from the TV or devices can also interrupt the circadian rhythm and disrupt sleep patterns. Sleep apnea can cause significant health conditions including heart attack and stroke.
Being overweight can cause serious long-term health issues, and the statistics of obesity in the US are staggering. More than 160 million Americans are considered obese and in the United States. According to the CDC, obesity is more prevalent in the United States than merely being overweight. Two significant obesity contributors are not being active enough and eating an unhealthy diet.
Being overweight significantly increases the likelihood of developing sleep apnea. Sleep apnea affects more than 25 million people in the United States. It is a progressive condition that interrupts breathing patterns throughout a person's sleep. People that suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may have episodes of stopping breathing up to hundreds of times per night for 10 seconds or longer, and along with this disruption comes many adverse side effects and morbidities.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
The Short answer to sleep apnea’s cause is that the airway collapses during sleep due to one or more of the following conditions, obesity, drinking alcohol, smoking, stress, lung disease like COPD, emphysema or asthma, drugs, and various ailments. Once the sleep pattern is disrupted, the lack of oxygen to the brain and heart can cause serious health concerns and implications.
What are the Side Effects and Complications Associated with Sleep Apnea?
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Chronic disease
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Behavioral issues
• Stroke
• Brain health impairment
If not treated, over time, OSA can lead to heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, and other serious complications.
What are the symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
• Snoring
• Gasping
• Dry mouth
• Choking
• Cognitive decline or brain fog
• Restless sleeping
• Depression and irritability
Getting Treatment Makes A Difference in your Lung Health!
A CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a therapy that has proven to be efficacious in helping patients sleep more soundly and with better airflow by blowing a steady stream of air into the nose. The flow of air helps to keep the airway open during sleep. On Neuroimaging, CPAP treatment has shown a significant reversal of brain and cognitive disorders caused by the lack of oxygen to the brain. Getting CPAP treatment and incorporating it into your nightly routine will help to improve your vascular health, lung function, cognitive functioning and other sleep disturbance related health conditions. CPAP therapy can also alleviate pulmonary hypertension.
In addition to the CPAP therapy, losing weight, stopping excessive alcohol ingestion, sleeping on your side as opposed to your back, meditative relaxation breathing, quitting smoking and eliminating sleep medications or narcotics may help to improve your breathing rhythm during the night.
Contact Well-Being Medical center of Naples today at (239) 315-7801.
Dr. Ricardo Martinez
Dr. Ricardo Martinez is an internist in Naples, FL and is affiliated with NCH Baker Hospital. He received his medical degree from Superior Institute of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba and has been in practice 20 years. He also speaks multiple languages, including Spanish. He specializes in hospital medicine, ambulatory care and is experienced in hospice and palliative medicine, bariatric medicine, diabetes mellitus, food allergy, and infectious disease.
As of March 16th, 2020, Dr. Martinez has founded Well-Being Medical center in Naples Florida. He is looking forward to providing Medical care within primary care settings and urgent care service throughout the Naples Florida area.