Vitamin Deficiencies and Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, and mixed sleep apnea (Central and Obstructive combined)—These are the three classifications describing a very serious sleeping disorder that causes low oxygen levels, severe daytime fatigue, increased physical and psychologic stress, high blood pressure, irritability, and liver disease. Ultimately, a prolonged exposure to these consequences of sleep apnea over time can usher heart pathogenesis, in other words, a severe diseased state of the heart muscle.
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Sleep apnea is a chronic disorder, however, progressive in severity if not managed or underlying causes  are treated as soon as possible. 
 
The severe direct consequence of sleep apnea is the halt of oxygen flow to the body, and
necessary organs. ​This is because of certain muscle groups surrounding the larynx that relax while sleeping. Autonomous functioning is expected in ideal situations, however, different lifestyles cause for different results. Causes can be attributed to obesity, poor
posture and overall diminished muscle function, voluntary and involuntary.
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What vitamins are directly correlated with autonomous muscle functioning and system
wide oxygen intake?​​

Which vitamins are correlated with postural health?

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• Vitamin D
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The most reliable sources of vitamin absorption are that of natural origins. It all begins with direct sunlight exposure. Human bodies do not create vitamin D on their own, but can create and absorb Vitamin D with exposure to direct sunlight. Receiving sunlight through a glass barrier actually inhibits the natural production of vitamin D.  All vitamin production begins with exposure to sunlight whether it is plant-based (pro-vitamins) or animal-based (preformed vitamins). If suffering from Sleep Apnea, ask yourself:
 

• Is my diet a natural, vitamin fortified intake of whole foods?

• Am I receiving enough direct natural sun light?

• How is my musculoskeletal posture affecting the way I sleep? How can I improve posture?

• How can I improve my natural ability to increase oxygen intake? 

• Am I taking in too many vitamins? 

• Do I need to lose weight?

 
Average sleep apnea costs per person per year in 2015 (US numbers) were $6,366 for undiagnosed individuals and $2,105 for diagnosed individuals.
 
For those suffering from sleep apnea of any kind, it is important to seek a well-rounded,
natural diet to achieve the recommended amounts of vitamin intake. Identifying sleep disorders and correlated causes should be addressed with preventative approaches in collaboration with healthcare providers.