These Common Health Concerns Disrupt Sleep Patterns

Concerns Disrupt Sleep Patterns

Getting a full night of high-quality sleep is a challenge for many people, especially those managing chronic health conditions like obesity, diabetes, and acid reflux disease. These issues can negatively impact sleep in various ways, fueling a vicious cycle of fatigue and other problems. 

Obesity, for example, is linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This disorder causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep when excess fat in the airway blocks airflow. The resulting drops in blood oxygen levels force the brain to partially wake itself to start breathing again. This prevents the body from reaching the deep, restorative stages of sleep it needs to feel refreshed.

In addition to severe daytime fatigue, untreated OSA raises one’s risk for other serious conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. This creates a dangerous loop, as OSA can also exacerbate obesity through its effects on hormones and metabolism. Those concerned about OSA symptoms should consider scheduling a sleep study with a local provider like Best Sleep Today.

Type 2 diabetes, which affects over 30 million Americans, has also demonstrated connections to poor sleep. Research shows sleep deprivation can hinder glucose metabolism and appetite regulation. Without enough sleep the body becomes less responsive to insulin and more apt to release hormones that spike blood sugar. This extra demand on the pancreas over time may contribute to insulin resistance or worsen existing diabetes. 

Conversely, diabetes can make achieving healthy sleep more difficult through symptoms like excessive urination, neuropathic pain, and early morning blood sugar spikes. Properly managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, medication, and other methods may help stabilize these disruptions to sleep cycles.

Acid reflux is another culprit when it comes to poor sleep. Laying horizontally allows stomach acid more opportunity to back up into the irritated esophagus. The resulting discomfort can make falling or staying asleep a challenge. Studies also indicate those with acid reflux spend less time in the deep, reparative stages of sleep critical for healing the esophageal lining.  

Though daunting, improving sleep is possible by tackling the underlying conditions through a combination of lifestyle changes, medical care, and optimizing sleep habits. Simple changes like aiming for 7-9 hours per night, keeping a consistent sleep schedule, limiting screen time before bed, and creating an ideal sleep environment. 
For those with sleep apnea, Best Sleep Today specializes in oral appliance therapy, which can be an effective treatment option. Custom-made oral devices worn during sleep can help keep the airway open and regulate breathing.

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