Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

Untreated sleep apnea is dangerous because it can lead to a variety of comorbidities that include a number of health conditions. From increased risk of cardiovascular disease to diabetes, comorbidities of sleep apnea should not be ignored. Here are a few health conditions that are closely connected to sleep apnea that are nothing to be ignored.

Heart disease. Sleep apnea can lead to heart attacks, which cause people to die in the middle of the night due to low oxygen or the stress of waking up frequently during sleep. As you might know, heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, while stroke takes fourth place for the cause of death and a leading cause of disability with high blood pressure being a major risk in both conditions. The relationship between sleep apnea, hypertension and cardiovascular disease is very strong, which makes it vital that everyone understand this connection and seek treatment immediately.

High blood pressure. Obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure in people who have it due to the frequency of waking up at nighttime. Because of this, hormonal systems go into overdrive, which results in high blood pressure levels. The sudden drops in blood-oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea episodes increase blood pressure and place a strain on your cardiovascular system.

Type 2 diabetes. People suffering from type 2 diabetes will often also suffer from sleep apnea, which can also lead to obesity. As you might know, obesity is another common comorbidity of sleep apnea. In addition to obesity, diabetes and sleep apnea share a long list of other potential complications, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, eye disease, weight control problems and changes in glucose metabolism.

Acid reflux. While there is no proof that sleep apnea causes acid reflux or persistent heartburn, it has been shown that people with sleep apnea do complain of acid reflux. As a result, treatment of sleep apnea appears to improve acid reflux and vice versa. The association with sleep apnea and acid reflux is relatively new, but we have been aware of it for some time now. Some of the connections include interrupted sleep, relaxation triggers and CPAP side effects.

Taking the next step by treating sleep apnea and acid reflux will help you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle without complications.

Obesity. As mentioned above, obesity is a leading cause and side effect of sleep apnea. By adding on weight, it raises the risk of sleep apnea, while losing weight can help cure sleep apnea. When people are severely overweight, they can fail to breathe rapidly enough or deep enough. When this occurs, it results in low blood oxygen levels and high blood carbon dioxide levels. And when this happens, many people who are obese stop breathing altogether for short periods of time during sleep. In return, this places an extreme strain on the heart, which can lead to symptoms of heart failure.

Sleep apnea can be easily treated to prevent many of the common comorbidities, so take charge and visit Dr. Sunita Merriman in New Jersey for sleep apnea treatment planning.

While symptoms of sleep apnea appear to be different in men than women, it is still a condition that is associated with equally serious health consequences for everyone. In a study conducted by UCLA, women were less likely than men to be diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

It also found that women with sleep apnea are more profoundly affected in the areas of the brain that regulate mood and decision-making. When it comes to OSA, men and women often experience varying symptoms.

Here is a closer look at snoring and sleep apnea in women and men, and how sleep issues may differ based upon your gender.

Hormonal differences. It is important to note the overarching distinctions in sleep patterns between men and women starting with hormonal differences. In part, hormonal differences appear to play a role in distinctions in sleep patterns, while anatomical differences also play a role in this area.

Sleep cycles. Women are more likely than men to experience insomnia, depression and daytime fatigue. Additionally, women benefit from more deep sleep than men do. And, because women’s circadian cycles typically run slightly shorter than men’s, women tend to fall asleep and wake up earlier. Women and men also deal with sleep deprivation differently.

Snoring. However, one area that men and women don’t really differ from each other in is snoring. Both men and women snore, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. Chronic snoring, unfortunately, can often be an indicator of sleep apnea. Men often report symptoms such as snoring, waking up gasping for air or snorting, and many women report symptoms of fatigue, anxiety and depression. Some women might also experience shortness of breath and snoring, too, but in many cases, the telltale signs of sleep apnea in women is not as obvious as it is in men.

Description of symptoms. Lastly, the fact that men are twice as likely than women to be diagnosed with sleep apnea may be partially attributed to how women describe their symptoms because it can often be mistaken for depression, hypertension, hypochondria or other disorders.

There are many factors that contribute to sleep apnea and treatment will vary based on the individual. It is important to note that women of all ages can suffer from this disorder, but the best way to find out if you are at risk is to speak with a sleep physician.

If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea in New Jersey, contact Dr. Sunita Merriman for more information.

Have you ever wondered if you are at risk for sleep apnea? During your search through the internet, you might have read that sleep apnea is a deadly disease, but highly preventable with proper treatment. This is true.

As you know, obstructive sleep apnea occurs when breathing pathways through the mouth, nose or throat are collapsed or blocked. These airways are susceptible to blockages or collapse as the muscle tone lining these pathways relax during sleep. With that being said, are you at risk for sleep apnea? Let’s find out.

Obesity and diabetes. Overweight individuals are the most at risk for experiencing sleep apnea. This is due to excess tissue, which might place pressure on the airway. More than half of those with sleep apnea are classified as being overweight, which is an issue we need to tackle. Your risk for sleep apnea rises significantly with increased weight and age. It can also increase if you have diabetes or smoke.

Constricted Shape of Nose, Mouth or Throat. You may also be susceptible to sleep apnea if you have a constricted shape or small sized features in the nose, mouth or throat. Allergies and other medical conditions can also cause features along the airway to restrict the flow of oxygen.

Gender, race and ethnicity. Interestingly, sleep apnea is often more common in men than women. It is also more common among African Americans, Hispanics and Pacific Islanders than Caucasians. So, if you are an African American man, your risk goes up significantly compared to a woman that is Caucasian.

Pregnancy and menopause. While women are less likely to get sleep apnea compared to men, there is an exception. If you are pregnant, your risk for sleep apnea does go up. This is the same following menopause. It can be hard to tell the difference between normal pregnancy exhaustion and tiredness caused by sleep apnea, but if you just can’t stay awake in the afternoons, or are dozing off while driving, tell your doctor.

Contact Dr. Sunita Merriman in New Jersey to learn more about your risk for sleep apnea and other complications.