Sleep apnoea is a common but often overlooked sleep disorder that can have significant implications for overall health. While many people associate sleep apnoea with symptoms like snoring and daytime fatigue, the true impact of sleep apnoea and health problems is far more profound.
Let’s delve into the critical connections between sleep apnoea and your health, sharing expert insights from Dr. Aditi Desai, a leading specialist in sleep medicine. Dr. Desai’s perspective on the far-reaching effects of sleep apnoea underscores the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to mitigate its impact on overall health.
Sleep Apnoea and Its Impact on Your Health
Before we explore the specific sleep apnoea and health problems that can arise, it’s essential to understand what sleep apnoea is and how it affects the body. Sleep apnoea is a condition where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. There are two primary types of sleep apnoea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): This occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively during sleep, leading to a temporary blockage of the airway.
- Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA): This occurs when the brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing.
The condition is characterised by interruptions in breathing, often lasting a few seconds, but it can occur hundreds of times throughout the night. These interruptions can severely disrupt the quality of sleep, which has a direct impact on overall health. The more severe the sleep apnoea, the more significant the potential consequences for you and your health.
Dr. Aditi Desai’s Insights on the Link Between Sleep Apnoea and Health Problems
As an expert in oral sleep medicine, Dr. Aditi Desai has worked with numerous patients to understand and address the relationship between sleep apnoea and health problems. Her extensive experience has led her to a deeper understanding of how untreated sleep apnoea can contribute to a range of serious health issues. Below are some of the most concerning sleep apnoea and health problems that Dr. Desai has highlighted in her work.
Cardiovascular Issues
One of the most alarming connections between sleep apnoea and health problems is its effect on the cardiovascular system. Sleep apnoea causes repeated interruptions in breathing, leading to drops in oxygen levels in the blood. This triggers the activation of stress hormones, which raise blood pressure and strain the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease, including hypertension, heart failure, and stroke.
Dr. Desai emphasises that sleep apnoea and cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure and heart disease, are often interconnected. Fluctuations in blood pressure throughout the night can cause long-term damage to the cardiovascular system. Untreated sleep apnoea can worsen these conditions, making it crucial to seek proper treatment.
Dr. Desai’s advice: Regular monitoring of blood pressure and seeking treatment for sleep apnoea are essential to reducing cardiovascular risks. Using a mandibular advancement device (MAD), also known as an oral appliance, is one of the most effective treatments to prevent heart-related complications by maintaining a steady airflow and preventing breathing interruptions during sleep.
Metabolic Disorders and Diabetes
Another area where sleep apnoea and health problems intersect is in the development and progression of metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes. Dr. Desai points out that the frequent drops in oxygen levels during sleep can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. This is because the body’s stress response during sleep apnoea increases cortisol levels, which in turn disrupts insulin function and leads to higher blood sugar levels.
People with sleep apnoea and your health are at an increased risk of developing diabetes, particularly if they have other risk factors such as obesity or a family history of the condition. Untreated sleep apnoea can also make it harder for individuals with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels
Dr. Desai’s advice: Managing sleep apnoea through lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and using sleep apnoea treatments, can help mitigate the risk of developing diabetes or help those already living with the condition manage their blood sugar levels more effectively.
3. Cognitive Decline and Dementia
Dr. Desai stresses that the impact of sleep apnoea and health problems extends to the brain as well. Chronic sleep deprivation and reduced oxygen flow to the brain from sleep apnoea can cause cognitive impairments, including memory problems and difficulty concentrating, and increase the risk of conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies have shown that people with sleep apnoea and your health conditions face a higher risk of developing cognitive disorders due to the reduced oxygen levels and fragmented sleep patterns associated with untreated sleep apnoea. Dr. Desai highlights the importance of addressing sleep apnoea to protect brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline later in life.
Dr. Desai’s advice: For those with sleep apnoea and health problems affecting cognitive function, it’s crucial to seek treatment to improve sleep quality and ensure that the brain receives sufficient oxygen. This may include using a mandibular advancement device, addressing underlying health conditions, and ensuring a good sleep routine.
4. Weight Gain and Obesity
There is a well-established connection between sleep apnoea and health problems such as weight gain and obesity. Dr. Desai explains that untreated sleep apnoea can disrupt hormones that regulate appetite, leading to overeating and weight gain. Specifically, sleep apnoea can increase levels of ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and decrease leptin (the hormone that tells you when to stop eating), resulting in an increased appetite.
Additionally, people with sleep apnoea and your health may experience fatigue, which can make them less likely to engage in physical activity, further exacerbating weight gain. Obesity, in turn, worsens sleep apnoea, creating a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break.
Dr. Desai’s advice: Weight loss is one of the most effective ways to manage both sleep apnoea and health problems like obesity. In many cases, losing even a small amount of weight can reduce the severity of sleep apnoea symptoms and improve overall health.
5. Depression and Anxiety
The chronic fatigue and disrupted sleep patterns caused by sleep apnoea can also lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Dr. Desai notes that individuals with untreated sleep apnoea and your health may experience increased levels of stress, irritability, and mood swings due to the constant exhaustion they face. This can also increase the risk of developing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
Sleep apnoea-related fatigue can make it harder for individuals to cope with the daily stresses of life, further contributing to the onset of mental health issues. Dr. Desai points out that the lack of restorative sleep impacts the brain’s ability to regulate emotions and handle stress.
Dr. Desai’s advice: Treating sleep apnoea and health problems related to mental well-being requires addressing the root cause, sleep apnoea. Improving sleep quality through treatment can help restore emotional balance, reduce stress, and improve mental health outcomes. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and relaxation techniques can also help manage the emotional impact of sleep apnoea.
6. Sleep Apnoea and Sexual Dysfunction
Dr. Desai also emphasises the impact of sleep apnoea and health problems on sexual health. Sleep apnoea can disrupt hormone production and blood circulation, leading to sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction in men and reduced libido in women.
Dr. Desai’s advice: Treating sleep apnoea can help alleviate the symptoms of sexual dysfunction. Improving oxygen levels during sleep not only helps restore energy but also positively impacts overall hormonal balance, contributing to better sexual health.
How to Address Sleep Apnoea and Health Problems
The good news is that most of the sleep apnoea and health problems mentioned above can be managed with the right treatments. Dr. Desai recommends a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and support systems to address sleep apnoea and its related health risks.
- Seek professional evaluation and treatment: A sleep specialist can provide a diagnosis and recommend the best treatment for your specific needs, whether it’s oral appliances or lifestyle changes.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Weight loss can significantly improve sleep apnoea symptoms and reduce the severity of sleep apnoea and health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
- Practice good sleep hygiene: Ensure that you are getting adequate and consistent sleep each night. Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bed, and establish a relaxing bedtime routine.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help manage weight and improve the effectiveness of treatments for sleep apnoea.
- Manage underlying health conditions: Addressing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity can greatly improve your overall health and reduce the impact of sleep apnoea.
Sleep apnoea and health problems are deeply connected, with the disorder contributing to a wide range of serious health conditions. From cardiovascular issues to cognitive decline, the effects of untreated sleep apnoea can be far-reaching. Dr. Aditi Desai’s insights emphasise the importance of seeking treatment for sleep apnoea and understanding the broader health implications. By addressing sleep apnoea through appropriate treatment, lifestyle changes, and medical support, individuals can significantly improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of associated health problems. If you suspect you have sleep apnoea, don’t delay, consult a sleep specialist for a comprehensive evaluation, such as a sleep study, to diagnose and treat the condition, protecting your long-term health.
