Sleep apnea, often responsible for shortness of breath and loud snoring has ruined countless peaceful nights. It may also increase the risk for stroke, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine.
These results are the latest to suggest that this common sleep problem has more troubling consequences than simply feeling tired the next day.
A recent study evaluated 842 middle-aged men and women who sought help for their sleep problems. About two-thirds of the participants were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
Three years later, there were 22 strokes and 50 deaths in this group.
In contrast, there were 2 strokes and 14 deaths in the group that had more benign sleep troubles. When hypertension and other common stroke risk factors were ruled out, sleep apnea appeared to double the chances of someone suffering an attack.
Sleep apnea clogs the airway and can cause someone to struggle to breathe during their sleep, which is responsible for the loudest snoring. This disruption can lead to surges in blood pressure and a lack of oxygen that may gradually increase the risk of stroke. Also, most people die in their sleep and the lower oxygen supply seems to be a primary cause of this.
Often times the sleeper is not aware this is happening. They wake up from the slight pause in breathing and then fall back asleep. The only clue is feeling exceptionally tired the next day.
Researchers found that a type of air forced air pressure and face mask can counter these sleep disruptions and reduce the risk of heart attacks, another after effect of apnea.
However, I learned that many who are prescribed with these devices do not like them and will not wear them. Although it's not clear that the same treatment can help against stroke. "Everyone will sleep better," he said.
The complete article: http://www.healthology.com/focus_article.asp?f=sleep_disorders&c=sleep_apnea-stroke&spg=NWL&b=healthology.
- submitted by Jan Jensen
[When I transitioned to raw living foods my sleep problems disappeared. I slept like a log every night, had wonderful dreams, and awoke refreshed and energized every morning. I simply followed the instructions in the Creative Health Institute Home Study Program, and felt wonderful in just a few days. - Jim Carey]
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