Snoring might seem harmless, but for some, it can be a sign of a more serious issue. Research suggests that obstructive sleep apnea affects nearly one billion people worldwide.
If your snoring is accompanied by symptoms like sleep interruptions, waking up tired, and feeling excessively sleepy throughout the day, find solutions at ENT New York. Ear, nose, and throat specialist Vandana Kumra, MD, offers expert diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea, helping you achieve restful nights and supporting your overall health.
However, the effects of sleep apnea go beyond feeling tired. Without proper management, this condition can lead to dangerous, even life-threatening complications. Here’s what you should know.
When you have sleep apnea, the muscles in your throat relax more than they should while you’re sleeping. This causes soft tissues, like your tongue, soft palate, and tonsils, to collapse and block your airway.
Imagine trying to breathe through a straw that keeps getting squeezed shut — that’s essentially what’s happening when you have sleep apnea.
When your airway is blocked, your body notices the dip in oxygen and jolts you awake, often just enough for you to gasp for air before falling back asleep. This can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, and you may not even remember it happening.
Night after night, these sleep disruptions take a toll on your body’s vital systems. The ongoing strain can contribute to some significant health problems, such as:
One of the biggest concerns is the impact of sleep apnea on your heart. Each time your oxygen levels drop, your heart has to work harder to pump blood. Over time, this can lead to high blood pressure, which dramatically increases your risk of conditions like arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), heart disease, and potentially life-threatening events like a heart attack or stroke.
Sleep apnea can interfere with how your body manages blood sugar. This can contribute to the development of insulin resistance and increase your risk of type 2 diabetes, a serious condition with long-term complications that can ultimately be fatal.
Untreated sleep apnea is also linked to metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that further elevate your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. While daytime sleepiness is typically the most noticeable symptom, it’s these less obvious effects on your heart and metabolism that can do real damage.
The first step in addressing sleep apnea is to consult with a medical expert, like Dr. Kumra. She can assess your symptoms and may perform a throat endoscopy to look for any structural issues that contribute to your sleep problems. A sleep study may also be necessary to ensure a comprehensive diagnosis.
Once you have a diagnosis, there are several ways to manage sleep apnea and reduce related health risks. In many cases, these simple lifestyle changes can make a major difference:
For others, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a highly effective treatment. Oral appliances that help keep your throat open at night can also be helpful. If these options aren’t sufficient, Dr. Kumra may discuss surgical options to address underlying anatomical issues.
Taking proactive steps to treat your sleep apnea isn’t just about getting better sleep; it’s about investing in your long-term health and wellness, helping you live a fulfilling life for years to come. Call us today or book online to schedule an appointment at ENT New York.
