Most people dismiss snoring as a non-issue, but it can be one of the first signs that you are suffering from sleep apnea. This ailment has the potential to wreak havoc on your body, and leave you facing other health issues that can make sleep apnea worse. It’s a vicious cycle, wherein you have one ailment that leads to more, which makes the initial ailment worse, which again leads to more ailments. It can be a very dangerous diagnosis if not properly cared for. Here are a few things you need to know about sleep apnea to be safe.

Sleep Apnea Leads to Many Other Dangerous Health Issues

One of the most common health issues that comes along with a diagnosis of sleep apnea is high blood pressure. The breathing issues give your body mixed signals, causing your hormone levels to become erratic. That can cause your blood pressure levels to rise while you sleep, further perpetuating the issue. Another common problem that accompanies sleep apnea is issues pertaining to the heart. This can be low levels of oxygen in the blood, heart attacks, or even irregular heart rhythms. The worse the sleep apnea, the higher the chances are that someone could succumb to these issues in their sleep, and not wake up in the morning.

Other issues that are commonly seen in people that have sleep apnea include asthma as an adult, esophageal reflux and severe heartburn, gaining a significant amount of weight, and even an increase in type 2 diabetes. The problem is, however, that some of the issues caused by sleep apnea do not occur inside the body. One of the most common complaints among people with sleep apnea is problems staying focused or concentrated on a single task. This has led to an increase in car accidents by people who are not able to react quickly enough or who are too tired to concentrate behind the wheel.

Sleep apnea affects many different people, but it is almost always a dangerous diagnosis to receive. There are machines and products you can use to decrease the significance of your diagnosis, and make it easier for your body to function. You can also try and live a healthier lifestyle by eating properly, losing excess weight, and keeping up with daily exercise. All of these have the potential of helping you overcome many of the dangers associated with this ailment.

If you want to find out more about sleep apnea, give Dr. Levy a call and speak with one of our experienced staff.