Sleep apnea is a prevalent and serious disorder that can be worsened by living at higher elevations. Bend, Oregon, in the Pacific Northwest is a popular area for residents and tourists, though its elevation is significantly higher than most urban areas in the United States. People who live in Bend or other elevated areas could be at an increased risk for severe and frequent sleep apnea episodes. This article explores how Bend’s elevation affects sleep apnea and what you can do to lessen its impact.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Before we discuss how Bend’s elevation can exacerbate sleep apnea, it’s important to understand what sleep apnea is. Sleep apnea is a chronic sleep disorder that is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing while you sleep. These interruptions can last for seconds or minutes and can happen multiple times throughout the night. An interruption in breathing can occur up to 60 times for those with severe sleep apnea. Diagnosing and treating sleep apnea is essential, as long-term untreated cases can cause severe health problems.
Bend’s Elevation and Oxygen Levels
Those living at higher elevations have to breathe air with a lower percentage of oxygen that those living at sea level. This is due to the lower atmospheric pressure in higher elevations. A healthy person’s body adapts to these lower oxygen levels at higher elevations, which is why you will not experience shortness of breath or other altitude-related symptoms after living for an extended period in Bend or similar areas.
However, sleep apnea sufferers may have a more challenging time adjusting to the lower oxygen levels. The changes in altitude can cause medical conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart problems, and exacerbation of sleep apnea. Research indicates that higher elevations can lead to more frequent and violent sleep apnea episodes, causing the person to awaken more frequently during the night, further impacting their sleep quality.
Preventing and Managing Sleep Apnea in Bend and Beyond
A variety of treatment options are available for people with sleep apnea, including lifestyle changes, the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, and surgery. Those living at higher elevations should pay good attention to managing their sleep apnea, as the changes in oxygen levels can make the symptoms more challenging.
One thing that individuals with sleep apnea can do is to take extra precautions while travelling to and from Bend and other high-altitude areas. If medication or CPAP machines are required, it’s essential to ensure that you’ve got enough supplies and any necessary prescriptions. Additionally, always bring extra blankets to help with the colder temperatures and be sure to take it slow once you’ve reached your destination to give your body time to adjust to the higher altitude.
Those living in Bend or other high-altitude areas should take the necessary steps to ensure that their sleep apnea symptoms are well-managed. Ensure that their CPAP machine is properly cleaned and in good working order, talk to a medical professional about any adjustments that can be made to the pressure settings on their machine, and make sure to stay on top of any prescription medications to control an existing case of sleep apnea, as well as any other conditions that could be exacerbated by the change in elevation.
In Conclusion
The change in elevation is a unique aspect of living in an area like Bend and can affect various medical conditions, including sleep apnea. Most people adjust to living at higher elevations, but those with sleep apnea may experience more severe and frequent episodes due to the lower oxygen levels. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available and precautions that can be taken to help manage and lessen the impact of sleep apnea in Bend and other high-altitude areas. Always ensure consult with a healthcare professional and adhere to the treatment plan to keep an existing case of sleep apnea in check.
