If you suffer from sleep apnea, that means you are not getting a good night’s rest because your breathing is repeatedly interrupted each night. However, you may not realize you have sleep apnea, unless your bed partner notices. But you will often feel the effect it has on your body.
For those with sleep apnea, if you do not get treatment it can put you at an increased risk for other severe health issues. To make matters worse, untreated sleep apnea can increase your risk for severe COVID-19.
An increased risk for severe COVID-19
Interrupted breathing can cause less oxygen in your bloodstream, which can lead to many health issues down the line. In fact, it can weaken your immune system which is a major red flag as we continue to navigate this pandemic.
We know that our bodies produce proteins called cytokines that are important for fighting infections, but interrupted sleep caused by sleep apnea means you will have fewer cytokines and disease fighting antibodies. This prevents your body from being able to fight off SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as other viruses.
Additionally, if you are over the age of 65, not only are you more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, but that could make COVID-19 even more severe.
Contact Dr. Mayoor Patel to learn more about sleep apnea and what treatment options might work to restore your sleep and minimize your risk for severe COVID-19.
