Common sleep problems like difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or even sleeping too much increase the risk of heart disease and obesity. A study reported in the Journal of Sleep Research looked at almost 140,000 people. Those that reported sleep disturbance three nights out of the week were more likely to experience obesity, heart attack and heart disease.

When the researchers from the University of Pennsylvania adjusted their results according to other health risk factors and sociodemographic factors the association between sleep and cardiometabolic problems remained. The investigators concluded that poor sleep patterns are associated with a number of outcomes including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart attack and stroke. This supports previous studies but the wording of the questions used  focused on sleep quality versus length of sleep — in other words did you actually get 8 hours of good quality sleep or were you continually woken during the night by your bed partner snoring loudly?

Loud snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea which is a dangerous condition for the sleeper. What most people don’t realize is that the person trying to sleep with someone with sleep apnea also has their health impacted in a big way. The loud snoring, gasping for air and pauses in breathing cause both bed partners disturbed sleep. If this sounds familiar it may be time to seek a diagnosis and get treatment.

To schedule your consultation regarding snoring and obstructive sleep apnea please contact Dr. Mark Levy at StoneRidge Dental Care in Gahanna, OH today at 614-476-6696. You both deserve a good night’s sleep to ensure your health!