� JORGE PARODI, Vice President of Washington

Regional’ s cardiovascular service line and an American Heart Association-

Northwest Arkansas board member

SUMMER’ S UNEVEN TOLL

The effects of hot nights are not felt equally. People in urban areas, where buildings and pavement retain heat overnight, are more vulnerable. So are older adults, people with obesity and those living in homes without adequate cooling.

In addition to physical discomfort, heat can disrupt the body’ s natural sleep rhythms. Warmer temperatures can delay the onset of sleep, reduce time spent in restorative deep sleep and increase the likelihood of waking up throughout the night – all of which can exacerbate OSA symptoms.

The American Heart Association encourages people to take sleep health seriously and talk to their doctors if they suspect sleep apnea. Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping during sleep, morning headaches and excessive daytime sleepiness.

TREATMENT OPTIONS INCLUDE:

• CPAP THERAPY: A continuous positive airway pressure machine keeps airways open during sleep.

• LIFESTYLE CHANGES: Weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bed and sleeping on your side can help.

• ENVIRONMENTAL ADJUSTMENTS: Keeping bedrooms cool, using fans or air conditioning, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can reduce symptoms.“ Most adults need seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night,” said Parodi.“ That’ s not a luxury— it’ s a necessity for heart and brain health.”

A WAKE-UP CALL FOR SUMMER

As the mercury rises, so does the urgency to address how heat affects sleep and health. The American Heart Association is calling for more research, greater public awareness and policies that support sleep health— especially during the hottest months of the year.

“ This is a wake-up call,” said Parodi.“ We can’ t afford to ignore the impact of summer heat on sleep and the downstream effects on cardiovascular and brain health.”

For more information on sleep apnea and heart health, visit heart. org.

EAR, NOSE & THROAT HEALTH ISSUE | AUGUST 2025 9 OURHEALTHNWA. COM