When you have sleep apnea, your body isn’t receiving the necessary level of oxygen and this can impact your immune system. Sleep apnea is a common condition, with an estimated 12 million Americans currently dealing with this sleep disorder. It is important to understand how sleep apnea impacts your immune system so you can take the necessary steps to prevent the worst from happening.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where your breathing is interrupted during the night. This can lead to not getting enough oxygen and cause shortness of breath, loud snoring, and pauses in your breathing. There are three main types of sleep apnea – obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea and mixed sleep apnea, which is a combination of the two.
How Does Sleep Apnea Impact The Immune System?
When you have sleep apnea, your immune system can become compromised due to the reduced oxygen levels in your bloodstream. Your immune system is what protects you from disease and infection, so it is important to make sure that it is functioning properly. Sleep apnea can cause inflammation in the body, and this can suppress the immune system and make you more susceptible to getting sick.
How Can You Reduce The Impact of Sleep Apnea on Your Immune System?
If you have sleep apnea, there are several treatment options that can help reduce the impact of this sleep disorder on your immune system. The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which is a mask that you wear while you sleep to help open your airway and maintain normal breathing. Other options include oral appliances that can help keep the airway open, as well as lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet and losing weight.
What Are Some Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System?
If you have sleep apnea and are concerned about the impact on your immune system, there are some natural remedies that can help keep your immune system strong. Getting seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night is important so that your body can recover and your immune system can function at its best. Regular exercise can also help improve your immune system and reduce inflammation in the body. Eating a healthy diet that is rich in antioxidants can help keep your immune system strong and ward off illness.
Conclusion
If you have sleep apnea, it is important to understand how this sleep disorder can impact your immune system. When you have sleep apnea, your body can become oxygen deficient, triggering an inflammatory response in the body which can negatively impact your immune system. Treating your sleep apnea and making some lifestyle changes can help minimize the impact of sleep apnea on your immune system. Taking the time to make sure that your immune system is functioning properly can help reduce the risk of developing other health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
