Sleep Apnea Gets you Coming and Going
Sleep apnea remains a nationwide problem, reported to afflict many millions of people. Scientists have long known that this disorder, which characterized by significant breathing interruptions during sleep, can lead to a host of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, depression, even diabetes. But in the last month, a pair of new documents has underscored further concerns.
The first is the latest version of the Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke Care, which notes for the first time that sleep apnea not only leads to an increased risk of stroke; the disorder can also hamper recovery and add further complications after a stroke:
If individuals do not treat sleep apnea, they put themselves at an increased risk of a second stroke. Therefore, screening for sleep apnea is critical. Previous research has shown that worse rehabilitation results are often seen in stroke patients with sleep apnea.
Then came this news, which noted a strong correlation between apnea, obesity, and neonatal health issues:
In the study, babies born to women with obstructive sleep apnea were more likely to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit than babies born to women without the condition. All of the women in the study were obese.
In addition, the women with sleep apnea were more likely to develop preeclampsia, a condition of high blood pressure during pregnancy, and to deliver their babies by cesarean section.
Needless to say, it all adds up to a scary condition, and one whose long-ranging effects may still be unknown.
There are good ways to relieve and even cure obstructive sleep apnea. My practice specializes in a procedure called a septoplasty, which can reduce apnea by opening a better airway.
The only way to know for sure what kind of remedies are available and recommended given your personal history is to speak with a specialist. For more information, feel free to contact my Los Angeles ENT practice here.
Tags: infants, pregnancy, sleep apnea, stroke, studies
