Sleep Apnea and Heart Health: Why Boca Raton Residents Should Take Action

February Is National Heart Month – Protect Your Heart by Addressing Sleep Apnea

February is National Heart Month, a time to focus on keeping your heart strong and preventing cardiovascular disease. While most people know that a healthy diet and regular exercise play a role in heart health, many are unaware that untreated sleep apnea can significantly increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

At Lane Sleep Solutions in Boca Raton, FL, Dr. Robert E. Lane and his team specialize in identifying and treating sleep apnea to help patients breathe better, sleep better, and safeguard their heart health. If you snore, wake up tired, or struggle with daytime fatigue, it may be time to explore whether sleep apnea is affecting your overall health.

What Is Sleep Apnea? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the night. These pauses in airflow can last for seconds or even over a minute, preventing proper oxygen flow to the brain and body. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much, blocking the airway and disrupting sleep.

Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea:

✔️ Loud snoring that may be accompanied by gasping or choking sounds
✔️ Waking up feeling tired, even after a full night's sleep
✔️ Morning headaches or dry mouth
✔️ Daytime drowsiness, brain fog, or trouble concentrating
✔️ High blood pressure that is difficult to control
✔️ Frequent nighttime awakenings

Ignoring these symptoms can have long-term consequences, particularly for heart health.

How Sleep Apnea Affects the Heart

When left untreated, sleep apnea places continuous stress on the heart and circulatory system. Every time breathing stops, oxygen levels drop, triggering a fight-or-flight response that increases blood pressure and inflammation. Over time, this constant strain can contribute to serious heart complications.

The Heart Risks of Sleep Apnea:

💔 Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Sleep apnea forces the heart to work harder, causing elevated blood pressure that increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

💔 Irregular Heartbeats (Arrhythmias): Sleep apnea is linked to atrial fibrillation (AFib) and other dangerous heart rhythm disorders, raising the likelihood of strokes and heart failure.

💔 Heart Attack & Heart Failure: Repeated oxygen deprivation weakens the heart muscle, increasing the chances of heart attacks and congestive heart failure.

💔 Greater Stroke Risk: Individuals with sleep apnea have a significantly higher chance of suffering a stroke due to its effects on circulation, oxygen levels, and heart function.

The good news? Treating sleep apnea can significantly reduce these risks and improve overall health and well-being.

Effective Sleep Apnea Treatment – No CPAP Required!

At Lane Sleep Solutions in Boca Raton, Dr. Robert E. Lane provides comfortable, non-invasive alternatives to CPAP therapy. While CPAP machines are effective, many patients struggle with discomfort, noise, and inconvenience, leading them to look for better options.

Why Choose an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?

✅ Custom-Fit & Comfortable – Works like a retainer to keep your airway open while you sleep
✅ No Bulky Masks or Hoses – Easy to use and travel with
✅ Clinically Proven to Reduce Snoring & Improve Sleep Quality
✅ Lowers Blood Pressure & Supports Heart Health

This FDA-approved oral device gently repositions the jaw and tongue to prevent airway blockage, allowing for uninterrupted breathing throughout the night.

Make Your Heart Health a Priority This February

Your heart works hard for you every day—give it the care it deserves. If you or a loved one snores, wakes up gasping for air, or experiences constant fatigue, don’t wait to seek treatment.

📞 Call Lane Sleep Solutions at (561) 395-3503 to schedule your complimentary sleep apnea evaluation today!

Better sleep leads to a healthier heart—take the first step now!