Is Sleep Apnea Harmful to the Body?

Many people believe that sleep apnea is loud snoring, but it is more complex than that. Sleep apnea can cause multiple issues within your body. However, with sleep studies and sleep apnea treatment options, you can help reduce these symptoms. Board-certified physician Dr. Avi Ishaaya, an experienced sleep apnea doctor, has been treating sleep disorders for many years and can help you find the best treatment options possible for your specific goals and needs. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA to learn more about how sleep apnea can affect you.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a pause in your breathing that is caused by the collapse of the muscles in the back of your throat. Despite popular belief that it consists of just loud snoring, sleep apnea is due to an obstructed or narrowed airway. This means if you have sleep apnea, you may not be getting as much oxygen as your body needs. Feeling well-rested is also an extreme challenge when you are suffering from this condition. Dr. Ishaaya can evaluate your symptoms and help you get the treatment you need. If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, contact Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA to learn more about how Dr. Ishaaya can help.

What should I know about sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea can cause a lot of harm to your body over time. You are not getting enough oxygen, so eventually, you could experience psychological and physiological development issues. Your sleep pattern also gets interrupted, leading to tiredness and fatigue. Sleep apnea can increase your risk of developing potentially fatal conditions, such as hypertension, stroke, depression, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Dr. Ishaaya treats sleep apnea with positive airway pressure therapy, which is considered the gold standard. There are multiple risk factors to sleep apnea, including weight, age, the structure of your mouth, tongue, throat, and nose, alcohol use, cigarette use, genetics, back sleeping, nasal congestion, and more. There are multiple types of sleep apnea, including obstructive, central, and mixed. Each is caused by different underlying issues.

Frequently asked questions

How common is sleep apnea? Research suggests that up to 9% of adults suffer from sleep apnea. However, this does not account for the many cases that go undiagnosed.

How does sleep apnea get diagnosed? Sleep apnea is usually diagnosed with a test known as nocturnal polysomnography. During this test, you will be connected to specialized equipment that will monitor your heart, lungs, brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels.

Can children get sleep apnea? Yes, children can get a form of sleep apnea called pediatric sleep apnea. If you think this is occurring, you should get your child checked out as soon as possible.

Where can I get treatment for sleep apnea in Los Angeles, CA?

Sleep apnea can cause many issues within your body, ranging from lost sleep to serious conditions. However, with proper treatment, you can reduce the likelihood of these issues. Dr. Avi Ishaaya can help you find the best treatment possible for your specific condition. Contact Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA today for a full consultation on the overall state of your sleep health.