Frequent Sleep Disturbances Can Impact Your Health May 2, 2021 Many people find it difficult to stay asleep during the night. You might brush it off, but studies show that frequent disruptions to sleep can seriously affect your health – particularly in women. Night-time arousals are often caused by noise, temperature, pain or pauses in breathing due to sleep apnea. One study examined the sleep quality of 8,000 men and women over an 11 year period. Men with frequent night-time arousals were 25% more likely to suffer from heart disease, whereas women had almost DOUBLE the risk of heart disease and were more likely to suffer from other medical problems. When your sleep is interrupted, your sympathetic nervous system activates and releases stress hormones. These increase your heart rate and blood pressure, and in turn your risk of heart disease and other conditions. Many other health risks are associated with interrupted sleep, including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and lung disease. The best way to avoid interrupted sleep is to eliminate things that might disturb your sleep. Consider how you can make your room quieter and cooler for a start. If you are experiencing poor sleep quality, it is important to speak with your family doctor. The CPAP Clinic has a network of 40 clinics nationwide, and works in partnership with Centurion Healthcare, a Respiratory & Sleep Specialist clinic group to provide comprehensive sleep care including: Respiratory & Sleep Specialist consultation – face-to-face and telehealth available Sleep studies – in-lab, home and contactless sleep studies available. Bulk billing available for specialist telehealth consultations as well as sleep studies. Medicare criteria apply. Call 1300 76 29 39 or email info@thecpapclinic.com.au for more information.
