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Domestic sleep apnea patients triple in 5 years
Risk increases as female hormones decrease after menopause
If symptoms are left untreated, high blood pressure, arrhythmia, and cerebral hemorrhage
Positive airway pressure treatment is effective… Need to lose weight too
Mr. A, an office worker in his 40s, suffered from severe headaches and extreme fatigue every morning recently. He thought he got enough sleep, but he couldn’t shake off the feeling of exhaustion. After visiting the hospital, he was diagnosed with sleep apnea.
A Silent Epidemic: Sleep Apnea Cases Soar
Table of Contents
More than three times as many people are being diagnosed with sleep apnea now than just five years ago, raising concerns about long-term health risks.
- The number of sleep apnea patients has tripled in Korea between 2018 and 2023.
- Men in their 30s and 40s and women in their 50s and 60s are most affected.
- Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems like high blood pressure and stroke.
- Positive airway pressure treatment is effective, but lifestyle changes are also crucial.
What exactly *is* sleep apnea? It’s a surprisingly common disorder-and one that often goes undiagnosed. The condition causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to a cascade of health issues if left untreated. The condition is especially prevalent among men in their 30s and 40s and women in their 50s and 60s, with the burden of disease rapidly increasing among middle-aged adults.
The Female factor: Hormonal Shifts and Sleep Apnea
While sleep apnea affects people of all ages and genders, there’s a notable increase in incidence among women after menopause. This is largely attributed to the decrease in female hormones, which play a protective role in maintaining upper airway muscle tone. As these hormone levels decline, the risk of airway collapse during sleep increases.
Serious Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Ignoring the symptoms of sleep apnea isn’t just about feeling tired.Left unchecked, the condition can significantly increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, and even cerebral hemorrhage. The repeated drops in blood oxygen levels put a strain on the cardiovascular system, leading to these potentially life-threatening complications.
Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes
Fortunately, effective treatments are available. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, often using a CPAP machine, is a cornerstone of treatment, delivering a steady stream of air to keep the airway open during sleep.However, treatment isn’t solely about machines. Weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bed, and sleeping on your side can also make a notable difference.
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