While maintaining a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine are commonly touted as pillars of cardiovascular health, the quality of your sleep also plays a significant role in maintaining overall health & wellbeing. Often sleep apnea is not discussed however its prevalence is rampant within society. Patients attending our Perth sleep clinic will often ask “Can sleep apnea kill you?” and the answer is yes. Undiagnosed sleep apnea can lead to strokes, heart disease and diabetes if not treated.
Sleep apnea occurs when an obstruction in the upper airway occurs during sleep, leading to intermittent pauses in breathing. These pauses, often lasting for 10 seconds or more, prompt an autonomic response from the body, startling you body to resume breathing. These apnea episodes stop you entering the phase of sleep that leads to recovery which leaves you feeling tired and exhausted. However, often many individuals with this condition may not even realise they have it.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when airflow is restricted by a collapsed airway despite efforts to breathe. While loud snoring is often associated with sleep apnea, it's essential to note that not everyone who snores has the condition, and vice versa.
Countless studies have investigated the correlation between sleep apnea and weight-related issues such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. While obesity increases the likelihood of sleep apnea, evidence suggests an independent link between the condition and diabetes. Weight loss can drastically reduce sleep apnea symptoms and in some cases even cure the condition entirely, particularly for individuals with excess fat around the neck, tongue, and upper belly.
Given the potential health implications, speedy diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea are crucial. Diagnosis typically involves assessing the severity of sleep apnea through a sleep apnea test. Once a test has been conducted, a sleep physician will interpret your results and diagnose your condition. Your sleep technician will then provide you with treatment options that range from lifestyle modifications to the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which effectively keep the airway open during sleep.
While the consequences of untreated sleep apnea can be dire, the condition is highly manageable with appropriate interventions. By consulting with a sleep clinic in Perth such as Sleep Life Australia and adhering to recommended treatments, individuals can safeguard their cardiovascular and metabolic health, ensuring restful and rejuvenating sleep for optimal well-being.