Understanding the signs of sleep apnea can be life-changing, especially if you take action fast.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms to Watch Out For
While about 30 million Americans have OSA, only 20% of them know they have it. Unfortunately, that means millions of people aren’t aware of the key symptoms of sleep apnea today.
The most common symptom is usually snoring, but it’s far from being the only problem OSA causes. Other symptoms you might experience include:
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Excessive daytime drowsiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Frequent headaches
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
These symptoms can be more than just an annoyance-they may indicate a serious sleep disorder that impacts your long-term health.
The Health Risks of Sleep Apnea
If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can lead to a range of serious health problems. Because OSA causes repeated interruptions in breathing, it can sharply impact your oxygen levels. These sudden drops in oxygen can strain your cardiovascular system, leading to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke. The American Heart Association disease also explains that OSA is linked to left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, a condition that increases the risk of heart failure.
Oxygen deprivation also leads to higher carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This can trigger insulin resistance, which increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
If you’re experiencing any of these red flags or have any chronic conditions associated with OSA, it’s time to consider scheduling a sleep apnea evaluation with an expert pulmonologist like Dr. Bowen. Recognizing these risks and addressing sleep apnea in the earliest stages can help you protect your health – and it might even save your life.
What You Can Do About Sleep Apnea
At MXBowen Physician, P.C., we offer comprehensive diagnostic tools to identify OSA, including at-home sleep studies. With Dr. Bowen’s expert guidance, you can improve your health, sleep better, and prevent more serious sleep apnea consequences.
Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Evaluation in NYC
Are you concerned that sleep apnea might be affecting your health? Please get in touch with us online or call our office at 702-260-7707 to schedule your evaluation.
