Do you wake up more tired than you went to bed? Have you been told that you snore like there’s no tomorrow or that you suddenly stop breathing in your sleep? Watch out! What seems like a simple nighttime annoyance could be obstructive sleep apnea, a silent disease that, if left untreated, takes a heavy toll on your heart and brain. HERE you can listen to the podcast.
In the most recent episode of the podcast “Y tú, ¿qué Onnda?”, hosts Jimena Aguilar, Arely Inzunza and Karina Zambrano -who with their renowned trajectory in the media have consolidated this space as a communication reference- talked with Dr. Edgar Urquidez, an expert pulmonologist, to analyze why sleep is not a luxury, but a basic biological need.
Click on the photo to listen to the podcast
Dr. Urquidez was blunt: March is the month of sleep and it is the ideal time to understand that sleeping less than 7 hours alters blood pressure, glucose levels and even mood.
Apnea occurs when the neck muscles relax so much that they block the passage of air.
“Snoring is the sound of air trying to pass through a blocked airway. If there are pauses of more than 10 seconds, your brain launches a warning signal because it lacks oxygen, interrupting restful sleep even if you don’t realize it,” explained the specialist.
The two “bills” of not sleeping well
The episode highlights that apnea charges two types of bills:
Immediate toll: Irritability, lack of energy, mental sluggishness and that dangerous nodding off at work or behind the wheel.
Long-term toll: A fourfold increased risk of myocardial infarction, as well as hypertension, diabetes, stroke and even decreased libido.
Factors such as obesity, short neck, deviated septum or alcohol consumption (which relaxes the throat too much) are triggers that should not be ignored.
Is there a solution? CPAP and sleep hygiene
For those who suffer from this condition, Dr. Urquidez recommended the use of CPAP, an intelligent device that keeps the airway open through constant air pressure. But beyond technology, the key lies in sleep hygiene:
- The bed is only for sleeping and having sex.
- Goodbye screens! Cell phone light blocks melatonin. Turn everything off an hour before.
- Dark, cool and quiet room.
This revealing talk is a production of Nueva Network and QuéOnnda, designed for you to take control of your break and literally save your life.
The episode is now available on all audio platforms, such as Apple Podcast and Spotify, where you can also listen to other titles promoted by QuéOnnda and Nueva Network, such as Medicina con Cabeza.
Have you checked if your snoring is normal or if you need to visit a pulmonologist? Don’t leave it for later, listen to the podcast now!
Filed under: Sleep apnea
