Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that can cause a person to wake up a hundred times or more in a single night, and these frequent sleep disruptions can be quite stressful for the body. In addition to the frequent fatigue and grogginess this causes, it can also lead to serious overall health issues that can take years or decades off your life. Here’s a brief guide to a few of the dangers of sleep apnea and how your dentist can address the problem.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Can Strain Your Heart
The body behaves in a different way when it is sleeping than when it is awake, and shifting frequently between these two states can put a lot of stress on your cardiovascular system. Studies have shown that people with obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to develop serious health issues like an abnormal heart rate, high blood pressure, cardiac arrest, and stroke.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Can Increase Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
A poor night’s sleep can make a person lethargic and more prone to overeating, and obstructive sleep apnea can also disrupt your body’s ability to control its blood sugar. These effects can prime a person to develop type 2 diabetes, a serious health condition of the endocrine system that can lead to a wide range of other health problems like gum disease and difficulty fighting infections.
Not Getting Enough Sleep Can Set You Up for Car Accidents
Many adults in America drive on a daily basis, and driving without getting adequate sleep can be just as dangerous as operating a vehicle while drunk. Sleep apnea can disrupt your slumber many times in a single night and make you wake up short of breath, which can make it harder to get back to sleep again. Leaving this condition untreated can make dangerous and potentially fatal automotive accidents more likely.
Don’t let sleep apnea keep you from enjoying a long and happy life. Your dentist is trained and equipped to treat this condition with oral appliance therapy, a method that repositions your jaw to keep your airway open when you sleep without the use of uncomfortable CPAP machines. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to get your best sleep.
About the Practice
Beck Dental Care of Columbia provides the most excellent oral health services in the area. Led by Drs. Matthew Hart, Kyle Williams, and Philip Matthews, the staff ensures that each patient receives compassion, courtesy, and outstanding customer service in a clean and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry as well as sleep apnea services. If you are concerned about sleep apnea, contact the office online or dial (931) 388-8452.