The condition sleep apnea is characterized by a periodic cessation of breathing while one sleeps. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes the upper airway to become blocked, resulting in the inability to breathe.
Obesity, alcohol use, and smoking can all increase the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea. Several health problems are also associated with sleep apnea. Oxygen levels in the body may be affected, which can be harmful.
A report from Medical News Today discusses three studies presented at the ERS International Congress 2022. According to these three studies, sleep apnea increases cancer risks, mental declines, and blood clots.
“More patients are prone to having strokes and heart attacks, especially when they’re sleeping at night, because their blood pressure is not kept under control”
Dr. Kevin Postol, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
A dentist and a researcher at the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Kevin Postol, discussed the following health risks associated with sleep apnea in the report:
“Patients can have excessive daytime sleepiness, which can lead to them having more traffic accidents. There are declines in mental health for some patients who are not getting enough quality sleep and, in turn, have depression and mood disorders.”
“Patients who have high blood pressure have a tendency to see their blood pressure spike if they do not treat their sleep apnea. More patients are prone to having strokes and heart attacks, especially when they’re sleeping at night, because their blood pressure is not kept under control.”
Researchers are still trying to understand the full health risks associated with sleep apnea.
