If you have untreated sleep apnea and you have night after night of poor sleep, the lack of sleep can cause serious health ramifications.
Oxygen Supply to Organs
Every organ can be impacted by sleep apnea. Breathing is an autonomic function, meaning it is something we don’t consciously control. It is necessary for oxygenating the blood supply and ensuring every cell has adequate oxygen to function. If you have sleep apnea and stop breathing several times throughout the night, every organ and every cell becomes oxygen deficient.
Overworked Heart
When your body’s cells and organs become oxygen-deficient, your heart has to work much harder to pump more blood. People with sleep apnea often struggle with high blood pressure and heart rate, which, over time, can cause many additional health complications, including heart disease and heart attack.
Brain Stress
Because your brain gets messages from your body about the lack of oxygen, sleep disruption is a significant issue for people with sleep apnea. The brain rouses the body in order to restore normal breathing and oxygenation. Many times, these arousals are not something you notice, but they do impact your sleep cycle and your ability to get enough rest. The constant disruption to your sleep pattern is bad for your health and results in daytime sleepiness, inability to concentrate, and inattentiveness that leads to more accidents.
Treating Sleep Apnea
Treating sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea is essential for preventing further health complications that can literally shorten your life. If you believe you or a bed partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, the first step toward an accurate diagnosis and treatment is consulting with a sleep apnea expert. Ear, nose, and throat specialists at eos sleep have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. Our practice offers a wide variety of minimally invasive treatment options, customized to fit your personal needs. Call 1-212-873-6036 today or fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment or to learn more about eos sleep treatment options.