Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is incredibly common. It affects approximately 30 million Americans. According to the Sleep Foundation, anywhere from 10% to 15% of woman in the United States have OSA. This condition makes it very difficult to get the rest you need during the night to thrive during the day. It has even been suggested that having OSA increases women’s risk of cancer. Continue reading to learn more about this connection and how you can get your OSA under control.
What Is the Connection Between OSA in Woman and Cancer?
Several theories have been proposed that link OSA and cancer. One of the most prominent ones is that the two conditions have similar risk factors, including age and obesity. Both of these increase the risk of developing cancer. Another theory is that intermittent hypoxia, a condition where the body isn’t receiving enough oxygen, and sleep fragmentation both occur in OSA and have been linked to cancer. With severe symptoms of sleep apnea, an analysis suggested that the risk of cancer is two to three times higher in women with severe symptoms of sleep apnea.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can show itself in many ways. Here are some of the most common.
- Loud snoring
- Excessive sleepiness
- Wake up gasping
- Dry mouth and/or sore throat
- Frequent morning headaches
- Difficulty focusing
- Mood changes
- Elevated blood pressure
What Steps Can Be Taken to Address Sleep Apnea?
Getting quality sleep is always important for your body to thrive. Without plenty of rest, the systems in your body can’t work together as they are supposed to, putting you at increased risk of many health conditions. Here are some steps to take if you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea.
- Seek Diagnosis: To be treated for sleep apnea, you must receive a diagnosis from a sleep doctor. When you undergo a sleep test, it will be determined if sleep apnea is the culprit of your symptoms.
- Get Treatment: After receiving a diagnosis, steps can be taken to reduce your symptoms. There are various options out there, including CPAP therapy and oral appliance therapy. By working with your sleep doctor, you can find a treatment that’s right for you.
- Lifestyle Chances: Maintaining a healthy diet is getting plenty of exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and keep your blood sugar under control.
If you think you may have sleep apnea, it’s important to see a professional to get the treatment you need to keep your body healthy.
About the Author
At Star Sleep & Wellness in Irving, we have a team of multiple board-certified sleep physicians as well as a licensed psychologist. It is our goal to help all of our patients to get the restful night of sleep they deserve. If you think you might have sleep apnea, we’d be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (469) 331-9629.