10. Oxygen Deprivation: More Than Just Shortness of Breath
When it comes to sleep apnea, we often focus on the obvious—like loud snoring or sudden awakenings. However, one silent but deadly aspect is oxygen deprivation. The intermittent halting of breath reduces oxygen levels in the blood, triggering a cascade of biological reactions.
Initially, it’s your heart that takes the brunt of this oxygen shortage. Reduced oxygen means the heart has to work harder to pump blood, causing a rise in blood pressure and potentially leading to cardiac issues down the line.
But it doesn’t stop there. Low oxygen levels also have an immediate impact on brain function. Oxygen is essential for the optimal operation of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in your brain. Lack of it can lead to cognitive issues, mood swings, and even memory loss.
Have you heard of oxidative stress? This is the body’s response to an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants. Reduced oxygen levels can trigger oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and various chronic diseases.
The kicker is that the consequences of oxygen deprivation can remain hidden for years, only surfacing as long-term health problems. It’s like setting up a row of dominos; once one falls, it triggers a chain reaction. (10)
