Sleep is important, it is a universal truth, but many people are unaware just how integral it is to the human body. Even small, regular disturbances from disorders such as sleep apnea, snoring and teeth grinding can cause lasting physiological issues. During sleep, the body’s metabolic rate drops, energy is conserved, and important maintenance takes place in the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. This regular upkeep helps maintain hormone balances, boosts the immune system and ensures the brain replenishes its store of chemicals responsible for the storage of short-term memories.
The Sleep Health Foundation recommends a healthy adult should sleep seven to nine hours a night to allow the body to undertake its natural repair process. According to the same study, a loss of even just one to two hours of rest in a night can create a higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and mental health issues.
STRUGGLING WITH SLEEP APNEA
Aside from poor sleep hygiene, such as not maintaining a consistent sleep pattern, one of the leading causes of sleep loss is sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, a partial or complete blocking of the throat which causes breathing to stop anywhere from 10 seconds to a minute or more, lowers the blood oxygen level and briefly interrupts the sleep cycle. With episodes occurring frequently, even as often as hundreds of times in one 7 – 9 hour period, many quality hours of sleep can be disrupted. Patients with sleep apnea may often be unaware of their breathing issues, however, being aware of early warning signs such as irritability, night waking and un-refreshing sleep can help with detection.
Fortunately for those with conditions like sleep apnea, the symptoms can be lessened with a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. The machine delivers a stream of compressed air preventing obstructions in combination with a CPAP mask which is fitted over the mouth, nose or both.
Thankfully, with the use of a CPAP machine most patients can experience reduced disruption and a resumption of normal sleep. Given just how important sleep is to the human body, this is great news for sufferers.
To find out more about the risks involved with lack of sleep, or if you’re simply seeking a comfortable fit, visit ApneaSeal.