3. Sleep Apnea: The Nocturnal Nuisance
The rhythm of sleep is as crucial as the rhythm of our hearts, and a disruption in either can echo across our health. Sleep Apnea, a disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, is a significant cause of concern when examining AFIB’s triggers. This nocturnal nuisance stealthily strikes, suffocating our restful hours, and tampering with our heart’s rhythm.
During these breathing pauses, the oxygen level in your blood dips. The heart, sensing this shortage, may respond by altering its rhythm, setting the stage for AFIB. Sleep apnea is not just a sleep disorder; it’s a significant variable in the AFIB equation, necessitating its recognition and resolution.
Management of sleep apnea often requires lifestyle modifications such as weight loss and positional therapy. In more severe cases, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices or surgery may be recommended. As we shed light on sleep apnea, it becomes clear that what happens in the silence of the night can profoundly impact the rhythm of our days. (3)
