The benefits of getting adequate sleep are too numerous to list. Undoubtedly, it’s of the utmost importance to maintaining an overall state of wellness. Unfortunately, millions of Americans fall short in this area due to sleep apnea. The condition prevents people from transitioning through the four stages of sleep in Lawton. As you continue reading, a local expert explains what sleep apnea is and how it affects your sleep cycle.
What is Sleep Apnea?
People who suffer from sleep apnea are repeatedly interrupted at night by breaks in their breathing. With each incident, distress signals are sent from the brain, causing them to awaken. The frequent interruptions can lead to daytime lethargy, inability to focus, morning throat soreness, headaches and several other issues. That’s because each phase of sleep plays a significant role in the body and mind’s nightly recovery.
Stages 1 and 2 – Light Sleep
Stage 1 sleep involves slower eye movement. However, your body is still alert to your external environment. This stage, which only lasts a few minutes, allows you to transition into deeper rest.
At stage 2, you drift into a deeper sleep, as the brain begins producing special waves called sleep spindles. They serve as protection against prematurely waking up.
Stages 3 and 4 – Deep Sleep and REM Sleep
By stage 3, you’re considered to be in deep sleep. At this time, the body begins to repair muscles and tissues that were stressed during the day. Also, during this phase the immune system is recharged, and the cells revitalized. This is a pivotal time for children and teenagers, as it promotes growth and development.
Stage 4 or REM (rapid eye movement) involves the eyes moving hurriedly in different directions. At this time, the heart rate elevates, blood pressure increases and breathing becomes shallow.
During this phase, the brain will consolidate information from the previous day’s activities and store it as memory. Needless to say, if these functions are allowed to occur as normal, you’ll be a happier and healthier person.
How Sleep Apnea Affects the 4 Stages
Sleep apnea can prevent you from spending enough time in each phase of sleep. Therefore, you miss out on their benefits. The results can be life-threatening and lead to the following:
- Stroke
- Hypertension
- Heart Disease
- Cardiac Arrest
- Alzheimer’s Disease
If you’ve been waking up feeling sluggish and tired throughout the day, or you’re a loud snorer, you may be suffering from sleep apnea in Lawton. The first step is to let your doctor know so that you can be tested. Then, your nighttime breathing issues can be treated by an experienced sleep dentist so you can enjoy total wellness.
About the Author
Dr. David J. Drummond earned his dental degree from the Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago. For decades, he has been providing competent and compassionate care. Dr. Drummond is skilled and experienced in treating patients with sleep apnea, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.