While June is flying by, we can continue to raise awareness for men’s health throughout the year and not just for one month. Celebrated across the country, Men’s Health Month provides screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities. Why? To help raise awareness for men and their health conditions. With that being said, men have an increased risk of developing sleep apnea, which means it is important for all you men out there to seek treatment immediately–even just as a precaution. Let’s take a closer look:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is caused by obstructed breathing, either due to too much tissue as seen in obesity or decreased muscle tone which may be seen with low testosterone. This inhibits the airflow in the mouth and nose which causes snoring and decreased ability for adequate oxygenation during sleep. As a result, men often wake up numerous times during the night and rarely achieve deep sleep. Most cases of sleep apnea caused by low testosterone is considered to be OSA. While, OSA may primarily be considered a “man’s disease”, but it poses serious and even life-threatening health risks for women who suffer from it, too.
Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea and Depression
According to research, men with sleep apnea appear to have a higher risk of depression. Men with undiagnosed sleep apnea had more than double the risk of depression compared to those without sleep apnea, said study researcher Carol Lang at the University of Adelaide in Australia. And, according to Lang, men who had both undiagnosed, severe sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness, had an even greater risk of depression. It was shown that their risk of depression was up to five times greater than normal. With that being said, it is key that we provide the services necessary for providing men with the diagnosis and treatment they need to overcome sleep apnea.
Seek Treatment Now
The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems while encouraging early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. This month, and every month after, it is important to gain a better understanding of the resources you need to make educated decisions about your health, which means proper screening for sleep apnea.
By catching sleep apnea early, and providing proper treatment options, you can receive the care you need to remain healthy while also getting the rest you need or have been missing out on for so long. Contact Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia for more information on sleep apnea and how you can take the next steps toward improved health care.
