Do you snore when you sleep? Do you often feel tired, have trouble concentrating during the day, or find yourself easily dozing off despite getting enough sleep? These issues could be caused by sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is closely related to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. If left untreated, it can lead to poor control of chronic diseases, delaying treatment progress and potentially causing various comorbidities.
Common comorbidities of sleep apnea include hypoxia. (Image provided by Heho Health)
Research shows that the likelihood of diabetes in sleep apnea patients is more than twice that of those without sleep apnea. Additionally, over 80% of patients with poorly controlled blood pressure are also diagnosed with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes repeated sleep interruptions and intermittent hypoxia, leading to inflammation in the body. When breathing stops, it causes blood vessels to constrict, heart rate to increase, and blood pressure to spike.
In addition to common chronic diseases, a study published in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that about 60% of sleep apnea patients also suffer from acid reflux. When the airway is obstructed in sleep apnea patients, the chest cavity experiences negative pressure, often triggering acid reflux into the throat. The symptoms of acid reflux and obstructive sleep apnea can compound each other, increasing severity.
Doctors point out that if a patient has acid reflux or laryngopharyngeal reflux, it can lead to upper airway muscle relaxation, nasal mucosal swelling, and obstruction through the vagus nerve reflex, further worsening sleep apnea. The upper airway functions like a door that must remain open for breathing, aside from when drinking water. However, sleep apnea or severe snoring patients experience this door opening and closing over two to three thousand times a night, causing wear and damage over time.
If you have symptoms of sleep apnea and acid reflux, avoid eating within two to three hours before bedtime. (Image provided by Heho Health)
"Repeated vibration and friction of the upper airway mucosa cause damage, leading to more severe acid reflux issues, which in turn exacerbate sleep apnea, creating a vicious cycle. Additionally, regular exercise is essential for improving nasal and acid reflux conditions. If a person does not sleep well, they may lack the desire to be active, and inactivity further deteriorates health."
Doctors recommend that if you have symptoms of sleep apnea and acid reflux, avoid eating within two to three hours before bedtime. Establish a regular exercise routine, maintain a healthy weight, and practice oropharyngeal exercises to strengthen the tongue and cheek muscles, which can help alleviate symptoms.
