Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can have a range of detrimental effects on your health if left untreated. It occurs when breathing stops and starts while you sleep, resulting in loud snoring and fatigue during the day, even after a full night's sleep. People with mild sleep apnea have 5 to 14 episodes of apnea in an hour, those with moderate cases have 15 to 29 in an hour, and those with severe cases have 30 or more episodes in an hour. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, recurrent heart attack, stroke, and abnormal heartbeat.
It can also increase the risk of developing a severe form of COVID-19 and needing hospital treatment. Weight gain can contribute to the development of sleep apnea, as it reduces the diameter of the throat and pushes against the lungs. Children and young people with obstructive sleep apnea may do poorly in school and have attention or behavioral problems. Difficulty sleeping can cause a variety of health problems and, if left untreated, dire consequences.
This can affect sleep, reduce oxygen flow to vital organs, and cause abnormal heart rhythms. As such, it is important to seek treatment for sleep apnea as soon as possible. Treatment for sleep apnea may include wearing a mouthpiece while sleeping or using a device that uses positive pressure to keep the airways open during sleep. If you are experiencing any symptoms of sleep apnea, it is important to consult your doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious health complications.
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