A recent study found that sleep apnea, even for one night, can affect blood pressure. “After just six hours of fluctuating oxygen levels, similar to what happens with sleep apnea, the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure is impaired.” There is an immediate impact on the body’s ability to maintain a normal blood pressure from sleep apnea the night before. A patient is considered “compliant” if he or she wears a CPAP for 70% of nights; however, every untreated night affects the next day’s health. Maybe a treatment with a higher compliance rate should be considered. Mandibular advancement devices (oral …
Category: Sleep Apnea
Heart Disease and Sleep Apnea are a Dangerous Combination
Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are common in patients with cardiovascular disease such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and atrial fibrillation. A person suffering from cardiovascular disease is two-to-three times more likely to have sleep apnea, according to the Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease Study conducted by The American Heart Association. According to the study, sleep apnea can lead to or worsen heart disease. Apneas, or periods when breathing ceases during sleep, causes oxygen levels to drop and triggers a “fight or flight” response in your body which in turn causes your blood vessels to constrict and …
2017: Get More Sleep
It’s resolution time yet again. Each year we make promises to improve our lives in the coming year. We vow to exercise more, eat less, make new friends and reduce stress along the way. It’s no secret that resolutions are often made but rarely kept. This year throw out the long list of resolutions. Stick with one promise to yourself—to get more sleep. Make 2017 the year of sleep. This year strive for 8-hours of quality sleep each night. Start by improving your sleep environment with a new mattress, white noise machine or thicker shades to block out light. Next, …