If you think you or someone you love suffers from sleep apnea, Dr. Richard Bogan, Dr. Laura Herpel, and the team at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, are committed to providing a proper diagnosis and the best course of action for each individual. 

Sleep Apnea and Your Health 

 You know that you need to sleep, but if you’re like many people, it’s more about getting a little rest so you can get through the hustle of the next day. You consider good quality, restful sleep more of a luxury – not a priority. Unfortunately, this line of thought is untrue and can lead to a great deal of trouble. 

Restful sleep is as necessary to your health as nutrition and exercise, but there are many things that prevent people from receiving this rest. One of these things is sleep apnea. In the guide below, Dr. Bogan, Dr. Herpel, and the team at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, share what this sleep disorder is and some of the many ways it can impact your health. 

The Basics of Sleep Apnea 

 In short, this sleep disorder is one in which the sufferer stops and starts breathing repeatedly while sleeping. Typically, this happens either because the muscles in the throat relax, which blocks air flow, or the brain isn’t sending the signals that are necessary to make the sleeper breathe normally. 

What Are the Health Dangers? 

 When you breathe, your body circulates oxygen and blood. With sleep apnea, the sleeper is going through bursts of time with much lower blood and oxygen levels, which can strain the cardiovascular system. It also negatively impacts the brain. 

Additionally, the pause in breathing typically wakes the person up several times. This can be stressful, increase cortisol levels, and prevent restorative sleep from taking place. Due to these factors, sleep apnea has been linked to the following issues and more: 

  • Heart disease 
  • High blood pressure 
  • Heart failure 
  • Type 2 diabetes 
  • Stroke 
  • Asthma 
  • Weight gain 
  • Depression 
  • Acid reflux 
  • Brain fog 
  • Memory loss 
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness

 It’s also been linked to accidents, as not getting restful sleep has caused some people to fall asleep while driving or operating heavy machinery. In short, this particular sleep disorder can impact your general health, mental and emotional health, quality of life, and even the length of your life. 

Don’t let sleep apnea impact your health and well-being. Call (803) 251-3093 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bogan and Dr. Herpel at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, today.