Impact of Sleep Apnea

While snoring is usually more of a nuisance and fodder for jokes, sleep apnea—a condition where breathing patterns are altered or even halted repeatedly during the night—is a much more serious disorder. The potential effects of sleep apnea go farther than just an irritated spouse heading off in search of quieter sleeping quarters. In fact, in severe cases, it can even be fatal.

While the causes of sleep apnea vary, the most obvious effect of sleep apnea is sleep deprivation. After each period of interrupted breathing, the individual is wakened to catch his breath before returning to sleep. If you suffer from sleep apnea, you may not even realize you’re being stirred throughout the night, but the repeated awakenings can disrupt your sleeping patterns enough to cause sluggishness and irritability during the day. Other sleep deprivation symptoms include headaches, inability to concentrate, and forgetfulness. Sufferers are also more prone to daytime accidents and are less productive at work.

Another effect of sleep apnea is strain on family relationships. If the sleep apnea sufferer does not seek treatment, the other spouse may eventually grow resentful. When the wakened spouse chooses to sleep in another room each night, the long-term distance can eventually cause a rift between the couple.

Below are some other, more serious sleep apnea effects:

In very severe cases, when an individual fails to wake up and regulate his pattern of breathing, an extreme effect of sleep apnea can be death, although this is rare. The first step is to consult with a qualified sleep professional to find treatment options. A slight lifestyle change or something as small as an oral appliance can relieve symptoms and bring back a restful night’s sleep.

Sleep apnea effects are not to be taken lightly. Take the first step toward a healthier, happier life by contacting Dr. Mark Kleive at (828)669-2974 for a no fee consultation, or send him an email.