The team at Spark Sleep Solutions, a top-notch sleep clinic offering San Ramon sleep apnea solutions by a sleep apnea doctor, is dedicated to helping everyone achieve restful sleep and enjoy productive days. One way to ensure this happens is to be knowledgeable about issues that can disrupt sleep. Today, we will discuss sleep apnea and its impact on the heart.
You went to bed at a decent time, got enough sleep, but you still feel tired when you wake up in the morning. Or perhaps you have a friend or loved one who snores loudly. In some cases, this may indicate a serious condition called sleep apnea. Someone affected by this disorder will experience repeated pauses in breathing while sleeping. And what many people do not even realize is that it can significantly affect heart health in many ways.
What Happens During Sleep Apnea?
While sleeping, a person with this disorder experiences airway collapse multiple times in an hour. This is what happens when someone has the most common type of this disorder, Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The blockage prevents air from reaching the lungs. As a result, the oxygen level in the blood drops sharply. In the most severe cases, some people may stop breathing for ten seconds or more. The brain realizes there is a problem. It sends a signal to wake the person up just enough to take a breath, often with a loud gasp or snort. Since this cycle repeats constantly, actual, restful sleep is impossible. This is what drives individuals to seek San Ramon sleep apnea solutions, as they are desperate to feel better during the day.
The Immediate Heart Reaction
When the body struggles for oxygen, the sympathetic nervous system kicks into high gear. This is the same system responsible for controlling the “fight or flight” response.
Since the body believes it is in distress, the heart rate increases exponentially. Then, the blood vessels tighten. This immediate reaction is the heart’s way of delivering more oxygen to vital organs. But this extra effort puts significant strain on the muscle itself. The heart must pump harder whenever breathing stops.
How All This Impacts the Heart for the Long Term
Raising blood pressure repeatedly and stressing the blood vessels throughout the night can lead to serious long-term health issues. One of the most significant problems is high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. If blood pressure remains elevated for a prolonged period, it forces the heart to work harder constantly. This is true even while awake. Since sleep apnea causes these nightly oxygen dips, it increases the risk of developing conditions such as atrial fibrillation. This is when an irregular heartbeat occurs. In severe cases, some even experience a heart attack or stroke.
If you believe that you are contending with sleep apnea, the friendly folks here at Spark Sleep Solutions are here to help. Our goal is to ensure all our clients always feel at their best. Book a consultation with us today, and we will work with you to craft a plan for obstructive sleep apnea treatment in San Ramon.