Snoring during night sleep often sounds harmless, but in some cases, this process can pose a life-threatening danger.
Medianews.az, citing Foodinfo.az, reports that neurologist Rustem Gayfutdinov stated that the short-term cessation of breathing during snoring — that is, apnea — negatively affects brain and heart health. According to the specialist, in severe apnea, the saturation indicator showing blood oxygenation can sometimes drop to 20-30 percent, which is significantly lower than the normal level of 95 percent.
The doctor notes that during breathing pauses, the brain does not receive enough oxygen, causing hypoxia. If this condition repeats several times throughout the night, the body is subjected to long-term stress, blood sugar and cholesterol can rise, blood pressure increases, and as a result, the risk of stroke and heart attack increases. For this reason, snoring should not be taken as a normal condition — it is sometimes a warning signal from the body.
Gayfutdinov points to factors that can cause apnea such as the tongue falling backward, short neck structure, and excess weight. These problems lead to airway narrowing and regular cessation of breathing during sleep. Especially in the context of obesity, the thickening of throat tissues can further worsen the condition.
For accurate diagnosis of this condition, doctors use a special sleep examination called polysomnography. This method tracks saturation, breathing rhythm, heart activity, and sleep quality during sleep to determine the presence of apnea. Early diagnosis is very important for reducing risks and choosing appropriate treatment.
Specialists indicate that people with snoring problems should not delay consulting a doctor. Simple steps such as normalizing weight, improving sleep hygiene, and sleeping in a side position instead of on the back can alleviate the condition. However, in severe apnea cases, a special respiratory device or medical intervention may be required.
