Sleep Apnea Side Effects - It's Not Just About Snoring

The main symptoms of sleep apnea are becoming more widely known. But there are also a range of side effects that are now being looked into by both the medical profession and sufferers. Sleep apnea side effects are no longer seen as a bit of a joke along the lines of "my husband is a terrible snorer". They are acknowledged as serious issues that could have life threatening consequences.

The main side effect of the condition is being tired during the day. This can lead to sufferers falling asleep at inappropriate times. A lot of focus has been put on the importance of this when driving, as it has been known for people to fall asleep at the wheel.

General tiredness can lead to what many people would call just being plain 'grumpy'. It should be noted that this can affect the spouse and family of sufferers as well as the person themselves.

The constant interruption of breathing can mean that sleep apnea deprives the body of oxygen. This can lead to a person suffering from morning headaches. It can also mean that there is a general decline in mental functioning that may manifest itself in any number of ways such as forgetfulness.

One of the more personal sleep apnea side effects is a loss in sex drive. This could be due to a general feeling of tiredness, but there could also be a hormonal basis. Recent studies have shown that men with obstructive sleep apnea secrete lower levels of the male sex hormone testosterone. This may in part explain the fact that men often complain of a decreased libido.

Sleep apnea can also put people at an increased risk of stroke and it is associated with complications of the cardiovascular system. In one study, people with moderate to severe sleep apnea were found to be at a significantly higher risk of having a stroke. This maybe because the condition is associated with high blood pressure which is a risk factor for the disease. It could also be that when a person stops breathing, the 'fight or flight' mechanism kicks in. Part of that mechanism is to make the blood more clottable and a clot could find its way to the brain.

Sleep apnea side effects should be taken seriously. It's more than just snoring. If you are concerned, you should seek advice from a trained medical professional.