As we get along in years, we know there will be times when our health will not be at its best, because of our daily habits and the natural wear on our bodies. There are thousands of health problems that can come with age, including arthritis, osteoporosis, alzheimer’s and loss of vision and hearing; however, few people realize that, as we age, the risk of developing a sleep disorder increases.
Risks and Dangers of Sleep Disorders in Adults and the Elderly
It may come as a surprise that common health conditions, such as arthritis, heart and cardiovascular problems and emphysema can lead to general sleeplessness and trouble breathing that could also be linked to a variety of sleep disorders. Sleep apnea and other disorders can leave you feeling fatigued and drowsy, which leads to outside factors that can endanger your health and life. Those who experience untreated sleep apnea are at an increased risk of being in a car accident; are prone to poor work performance; and may experience more stress. Sleep apnea has also been proven to worsen other underlying medical problems, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Seeking Treatment for Sleep Apnea
While other potential health problems are usually treated first, sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, can be dangerous. If you have been feeling a general loss of energy, daily fatigue and drowsiness – whether you have been sleeping through the night or not – you may have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder and should sign up for a sleep study with a sleep physician at your next convenience and then seek sleep apnea treatment from a qualified provider.
If you have been positively diagnosed with sleep apnea, do not wait to seek treatment. There are plenty of different treatment options available to give you a better night’s sleep every night. Contact Dr. Berry online or call (303) 691-0267 today for more information on sleep apnea and to schedule a consultation.
