Snoring is often considered a common, albeit annoying, bedtime nuisance. However, for many, it’s a sign of a more serious condition: sleep apnea. Sleep apnea doesn’t just disrupt the sleep of the person affected and their bed partner — it can lead to significant health risks if left untreated. Understanding the connection between snoring, sleep apnea, and your overall health is the first step toward mitigating these risks.
The Hidden Dangers of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the night. These interruptions, known as apneas, can occur dozens or even hundreds of times each night, significantly reducing the quality of sleep and oxygen levels in the blood. Over time, this can lead to a host of sleep apnea health risks, including:
High Blood Pressure
The strain on your body from frequent night-time awakenings can increase your hormone levels, which in turn can raise your blood pressure.
Heart Disease
People with sleep apnea are more likely to suffer from heart attacks, strokes, and atrial fibrillation due to the stress of waking up often, low oxygen levels, and the strain on the heart.
Type 2 Diabetes
Sleep apnea is common among people with type 2 diabetes, as the lack of sleep affects insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
Metabolic Syndrome
This cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels, is linked to a higher risk of heart disease.
Liver Problems
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is more common and more severe in people with sleep apnea.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The most common signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, and observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional medical advice.
Treatments for Sleep Apnea
At Florida E.N.T. & Allergy, we understand the critical nature of diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. While CPAP machines are a common treatment, they’re not suitable for everyone. That’s where Inspire® Sleep Therapy comes in.
Inspire Sleep Therapy: An Alternative to CPAP
Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) is the only FDA-approved implantable treatment for people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Inspire is a device implanted inside the body through a minimally invasive procedure. It works with each patient’s natural breathing process. Based on your unique breathing patterns, the system delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles, keeping the airway open during sleep.
Taking the Next Step
If you’re concerned about the health risks associated with sleep apnea, or if traditional treatments haven’t worked for you, the physicians at Florida E.N.T. & Allergy can provide personalized care to help you achieve a better night’s sleep and improve your overall health.
Don’t let sleep apnea compromise your health and quality of life. Contact Florida E.N.T. & Allergy today to learn more about Inspire Sleep Therapy and other treatment options available to you. Together, we can find the right solution to address your sleep apnea and put you on the path to better health.