If you have never had to cope with sleep apnea you might conclude that it is no more than just an uncomfortable and annoying condition. However, those who understand what it is will be the first to tell you that it is much more complicated than that. Not only can it elevate your risk of other health conditions, it can put you at many other unrelated risks that could put your life in jeopardy.
High Blood Pressure:
One of the dangers of sleep apnea is its effect on those who have high blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, having sleep apnea can make it more difficult to control. The constant waking throughout the night can cause the hormone levels to go out of control. When that happens the blood pressure will shoot up and the oxygen level in your blood will start a decline.
Heart Disease:
Another risk connected with sleep apnea is an elevated risk of heart attacks. While they may not be entirely sure of the cause, researchers believe it could be the result of the drop in oxygen levels from disruptive sleep patterns. There are also complications that could lead to stroke and atrial fibrillation, which affects the rhythm of the heart beat as well. The disruption in the flow of oxygen makes it more difficult for the brain to control the rate of blood flow through your arteries.
Type 2 Diabetes:
You will also find that another one of the many dangers of sleep apnea is type 2 diabetes. Considering that obesity can raise a person's risk of this disorder, it is only logical that sleep apnea's ability to interrupt sleep can prevent the body from using its insulin properly, ultimately resulting in diabetes.
Weight Gain:
Those who are overweight will have deposits of fat that accumulate in the neck causing a blockade in their breathing while sleeping. This condition also causes the body to release more of the hormone ghrelin, which is known to intensify the cravings for carbs and sweets. If you're not getting enough sleep, chances are that you won't be able to turn the food you eat into energy as efficiently, which is one of the main causes of weight gain.
Accidents:
It is a known fact that those who don't get enough sleep are much more accident-prone. Their attention level begins to decline, which will naturally put them at a higher risk. Statistics show that those with sleep apnea are five times more likely to fall asleep while driving than those who do not.
The dangers of sleep apnea are many; some may be directly associated with the condition and others may cause additional problems, which can link them to other health risks. It is important for any one who may be dealing with the condition to seek the help of a doctor to start treatment right away. While many may think it is just an annoying problem those who have to cope with it realize that without proper treatment, their lives could very well be in danger.