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Sleep Awareness Week
The Dangers of Sleep Deprivation and Sleep Apnea
March 9th to 15th marks Sleep Awareness Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of sleep and the serious effects of sleep deprivation. The timing of this week is particularly significant, as it coincides with the start of daylight savings time. On Sunday, March 9th, we’ll lose an hour of sleep, which can have a bigger impact than most realize. The loss of even a single hour of sleep can lead to a dangerous increase in traffic accidents, as sleepiness affects our concentration, alertness, and reflexes.
If losing just one hour of sleep can be so detrimental, imagine the long-term effects of chronic sleep deprivation- such as that caused by sleep apnea. Could this be affecting you or a loved one?
Sleep apnea is a serious, yet often undiagnosed, condition that affects an estimated 18 million Americans. That’s 1 in 15 people in the U.S. who suffer from sleep apnea. 2 to 4 percent of Americans have it without even knowing. That’s about 1 in 50 people who go undiagnosed, potentially leading to severe health consequences.
Sleep apnea doesn’t just disrupt your sleep- it can increase your risk of accidents and even lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and stroke. Here’s why:
- Drowsy Driving: People with sleep apnea face a higher risk of accidents due to the excessive sleepiness and inability to focus. In fact, drowsy driving is responsible for 100,000 car crashes, 40,000 injuries, and 1,550 deaths annually.
- Health Risks: Sleep apnea increases your risk of stroke by 4 times and heart disease by 3 times compared to those who don’t suffer from sleep apnea. It can also lead to other serious health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Mental Health: Sleep apnea, and sleep issues in general, can affect your mental health more than you think. It causes increased fatigue, difficulty focusing, increased stress and anxiety, and an overall decline in one’s mental health.
- Impact on Bedmates: If you share a bed with someone who has sleep apnea, you may also lose sleep. The loud snoring, choking, and gasping associated with the condition can disrupt your rest, leading to a sleep-deprived household.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
If you or someone you love is struggling with any of these symptoms, it’s time to talk to your healthcare provider. Sleep apnea can be easily diagnosed through a sleep study, and there are effective treatment options available.
While Sleeping:
- Loud, disruptive snoring
- Gasping or choking noises
- Breathing pauses
- Sudden or jerky body movements
- Restlessness and tossing/turning
- Frequent awakenings
While Awake:
- Morning headaches
- Dry or sore throat
- Chronic fatigue
- Sleepiness during the day
- Personality changes, mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
The good news is that sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated. A sleep study is the best way to determine if you have a sleep disorder. We offer both at home sleep studies and formal sleep studies here at Murray County Medical Center. Talk to your healthcare provider about scheduling a sleep study to improve your health and well-being.
Sleep Medicine & Sleep Studies
Posted by:
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Briana Solheim