Sleep Disorders Can Lead to Long-Term Health Troubles

You know that you feel better when you awake from a full, restful night's sleep. But do you realize that sleep problems, in addition to being a drain on your quality of life, can pose serious health threats?

“Blood pressure usually falls during sleep, but interrupted sleep can adversely affect this normal decline, leading to high blood pressure,” states Dr. Sushrut Patel, Pulmonologist and Sleep Specialist with Beloit Health System. “Sleep disorders are linked to a greater risk of heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat and heart failure.”

Insufficient sleep also impairs the body's ability to use insulin, which can lead to diabetes. In addition, it can affect the amount of a hormone linked to obesity that's secreted, increasing the chance for weight gain.

Finally, daytime drowsiness increases the risk for accidents at work and on the road.

If you're not getting adequate sleep, you're not alone. About 70 million – or more than one in five – Americans suffer from sleep disorders. If you or your loved ones suspect you may have a sleep disorder, talk with your health care professional. (A bed partner may be more aware of a problem than you are!) Most sleep disorders can be managed effectively once they are diagnosed.

A sleep apnea test at our Sleep Disorders Center like Beloit Hospital or NorthPointe’s Sleep Solutions in Roscoe can help uncover a sleep disorder. If a sleep disorder is diagnosed, a sleep specialist will work with you to design a treatment plan that works for you. 

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