Sleep Apnea Health Risks
When sleep apnea blocks airflow, the body and brain are deprived of oxygen. The brain then has to wake up the patient to begin breathing again, often with a gasp or choke. People with mild sleep apnea may stop breathing only a few times an hour. People with severe sleep apnea can stop breathing hundreds of times a night. Often the patient is unaware of the frequent night awakenings when they get up in the morning. Untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to the following health conditions:
- Heart attack
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Weight gain
- Gastric reflux
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Slow metabolism
- Inability to lose weight
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Heightened anxiety
- Poor job performance
- Heavy snoring
- Poor short term memory
- Impaired concentration
Please call Dr. Albert 425- 771-3266 and schedule your personalized consultation.