Have you ever wondered whether there’s a connection between sleep apnea and liver health? As it turns out, the relationship is more significant than you might initially think. At Bend Headache Center, we delve into the facts and show you why it’s crucial to address sleep apnea not just for a good night’s rest, but for maintaining optimal liver health as well.
The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Liver Disease
Medical research has found a strong correlation between sleep apnea and liver diseases. Let’s look at this connection in more depth.
The Role of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that manifests as repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. This ubiquitous sleep disorder affects an estimated 22 million Americans, with up to 90% of these cases going undiagnosed. These interruptions in sleep result in oxygen levels dropping in the body, causing an array of issues including liver problems.
The Effect on the Liver
When the body experiences low oxygen levels — a condition known as hypoxia — the liver can suffer. Hypoxia can lead to inflammation and scarring of liver tissue, which may, over time, result in liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and other potentially serious conditions.
Identifying Sleep Apnea and Liver Health Issues
Recognizing symptoms is the first step toward getting the help you need. Familiarize yourself with the signs of both sleep apnea and liver disease.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
- Loud and constant snoring
- Frequent daytime sleepiness
- Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
Signs of Liver Disease
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Loss of appetite leading to weight loss
Addressing Sleep Apnea to Improve Liver Health
At Bend Headache Center, we provide non-surgical and drug-free solutions to improve the quality of your sleep and protect your liver from damaging conditions resulting from sleep apnea.
Our Approach to Sleep Apnea
We offer an alternative to CPAP machines that is comfortable, non-invasive, and highly effective in treating sleep apnea. Our personalized treatment plan will help you sleep better and significantly reduce the risk of developing liver disease.
Maintaining a Healthy Liver
In addition to treating sleep apnea, maintaining liver health demands a balanced diet, regular exercise, and regular health check-ups. Prevention is always the best approach to maintain the health of your liver.
In understanding the connection between sleep apnea and liver health, it’s clear that taking actions to treat sleep apnea can significantly improve the health of your liver, too. Our team at Bend Headache Center is ready to assist you on this journey towards better sleep and improved liver health.
