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Obstructive sleep apnea is a very common condition, affecting millions across the US. For many people, it\u2019s a relatively minor issue; and can often be resolved simply by losing weight, or making certain lifestyle choices. However, for others, it can be a serious problem; and can have a significant negative impact on their lives.<\/p>\n
If you have obstructive sleep apnea, sometimes it\u2019s difficult to tell whether your problem is worthy of treating or not. Here are a few signs to look out for, which may indicate that you need to visit a sleep apnea specialist as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
OSA: Symptoms to be Concerned About<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to dismiss continual tiredness; and to self-medicate with caffeine and sugar. However, if you consistently find yourself feeling exhausted during the day, this is a strong sign that you may benefit from sleep apnea treatment.<\/p>\n Tiredness can have a severe impact on your life, and can be dangerous. For example, statistics show that nearly 20% of all car accidents occur as a result of sleepiness. Research also suggests that those with OSA are up to 6 times more likely to have an accident in their vehicles than those who sleep normally.<\/p>\n Obstructive sleep apnea results in less oxygen entering your system, which makes your body work harder. This includes your heart. People who suffer with obstructive sleep apnea and don\u2019t have treatment are more likely to develop heart disease. Likewise, OSA can cause blood pressure to rise, which can contribute to heart problems.<\/p>\n Sleep apnea often causes sufferers to wake during the night, which in turn, can cause insomnia. Difficulty sleeping not only has a physical impact in terms of tiredness, but can also contribute to feelings of depression.<\/p>\n Reduced oxygen and tiredness can have a really detrimental effect on your libido and sexual performance; and men with OSA are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction and related problems.<\/p>\n When to Visit a Specialist<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s important to listen to your body. If you feel that obstructive sleep apnea is having an adverse impact on the quality of your life, it\u2019s time to take action and address the problem, especially if there\u2019s a chance that it\u2019s negatively impacting on your health or safety.<\/p>\n\n
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