Sleep apnea is a disorder that interrupts your breathing during sleep. In turn, this disrupts your sleep cycle and can leave you feeling exhausted day after day. Unfortunately, though, since feelings of tiredness are so common in today’s fast-paced world, many people mistakenly dismiss sleep apnea, reasoning that it is not a big deal. But it is a big deal! Failing to treat it could lead to numerous consequences, including the following:
Hypertension and Heart Problems
Untreated sleep apnea puts significant strain on your cardiovascular system. When your breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep, your body experiences sudden drops in blood oxygen. These episodes trigger stress responses that raise your blood pressure and force your heart to work harder. Over time, this ongoing pressure increases your risk of hypertension and heart disease. You become more likely to suffer from irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, and even stroke.
Poor Brain Health
Sleep apnea affects more than just your body; it impacts your mind as well. Interrupted rest reduces the amount of restorative deep sleep you receive, which impairs memory formation and concentration. You may notice that you become forgetful, have trouble focusing, or feel irritable and anxious. Chronic sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea can even contribute to depression and other mood disorders. Sleep apnea is also associated with a heightened risk of dementia.
Metabolic Problems
There is a strong link between sleep apnea and metabolic issues. When you do not get enough restful sleep, your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar weakens. This increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Sleep apnea also disrupts hormones that control appetite and metabolism, making weight gain more likely. These metabolic changes not only make you feel worse, but they also create a cycle where extra weight further worsens your sleep apnea symptoms due to increased pressure on your airway.
Accidents
Fatigue caused by untreated sleep apnea is more than just an inconvenience; it can be dangerous. Daytime sleepiness increases your chances of being involved in car or workplace accidents. You may find yourself drifting off while driving or struggling to stay awake during important meetings. These lapses in alertness put your safety and that of others at risk.
Early Death
Ignoring sleep apnea puts your health and your life at risk. Studies show that untreated sleep apnea is linked to a higher risk of premature death from heart disease, stroke, and other complications. The ongoing strain on your cardiovascular and metabolic systems may shorten your lifespan and reduce your overall quality of life.
Seek Treatment Now to Protect Your Health
Indeed, untreated sleep apnea is scary! The good news is that with proper treatment, you can minimize or possibly eliminate the health risks that it carries. If you have been struggling to feel well-rested lately, talk to your doctor about your concerns. After appropriate testing, you can start to explore your treatment options. Many people find that an oral appliance from their dentist is the most convenient way to address their condition, get better rest, and once again start to thrive.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Chadbourne and Campbell at Falmouth Dentistry are proud to provide a broad range of services for our community, including sleep apnea therapy. We offer several different oral appliances, and we can select the one that we believe would best fit your circumstances. To find out how we may be able to help you sleep better, contact our office at 207-878-8600.