If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can drastically reduce your life expectancy by up to 15 years. This is because sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, increase the risk of heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms, and heart failure. It can also lead to decreased concentration, organizational capacity, and an increased likelihood of car accidents. Sleep apnea affects men more than women, and is especially common in obese people.
It is also linked to metabolic problems such as diabetes and mood disorders like depression. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has reported that moderate sleep apnea increases the risk of death by 17%. This is why it is so important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea. If left untreated, it can lead to atrial fibrillation, which increases the chance of needing further treatment by up to 80%.
Sleep apnea is caused by a decrease in oxygen levels in the body, which triggers a fight or flight response. This causes the heart rate to increase and the arteries to narrow. It can also lead to imbalances in body and brain chemistry, disrupt heart and respiratory function, and raise blood pressure. It is important to note that snoring does not necessarily mean you have sleep apnea, and vice versa.
The best way to determine if you have sleep apnea is to get a proper diagnosis from a doctor. They may recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss or quitting smoking, or they may suggest using a CPAP machine or other treatments. At Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC, we are committed to helping people suffering from sleep apnea get diagnosed, aware, educated and treated. We believe that with proper diagnosis and treatment, people with sleep apnea can live longer and healthier lives.
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