What is sleep apnea? What are the dangers of leaving sleep apnea untreated?
What is sleep apnea? What are the dangers of leaving sleep apnea untreated?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the sleep cycle.
These interruptions, called apneas, are caused by the collapse of soft tissue in the airway (or throat), which prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs.
Weak muscles in the airway, a large tongue, obesity, and other factors may cause airway tissue to collapse and obstruct breathing, basically causing people to stop breathing.
Sleep apnea disrupts the sleep cycle and can dramatically impact energy, mental performance, and long term health. In some cases, if left untreated, sleep apnea can be fatal.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea affects 8-15% of adults in Canada, though the majority of sufferers go undiagnosed. Potentially dangerous symptoms, such as loud snoring, are often overlooked.
Untreated sleep apnea is associated with a number of health risks. To understand your sleep issues and examine possible sleep solutions, we recommend you consult your local Snore MD clinic if you experience these signs and symptoms.
Find out if you are likely to have sleep apnea, it takes less than a minute.
