Healthy Living

How Sleep Apnea Affects the Body

Reproductive System

Even the reproductive system can be affected by sleep apnea.  A person may have a decreased sex drive from sleep apnea.  Men can see complications with erectile dysfunction.  If the symptoms are able to continue they may have problems with having children.  Sleep apnea sounds like someone that can just make a person tired.  It does not appear to be threatening to a person's health beside the fact that they are tired.  This is far from the truth.  Sleep apnea does not just stop a person from sleeping.  It does now allow them to take in oxygen that their body needs to function properly. 

It can be difficult to diagnose sleep apnea.  Many people do live with the condition for many years before they talk to the doctor about the symptoms they are experiencing.  The early symptoms like tiredness, snoring, headaches, and dry mouth do not seem urgent enough for many people to seek help. Many people wait to talk to a doctor until they are experiencing larger symptoms.  This is too late.  At this point many people are having trouble with their blood pressure, could be developing diabetes, and their lives can be in danger. 

Treating sleep apnea will help a person feel better.  They will be able to sleep through the night and will wake up feeling much more rested.  Their likelihood of developing serious health problems will greatly decrease if they are able to stick with their treatments consistently.