You might think that neglecting to treat your sleep apnea isn’t that big of a deal. After all, is it really worth the hassle just to get a few extra z’s? But the truth is, leaving a serious disorder like OSA untreated can have serious consequences for your health. Here are a few hidden ways, if not addressed, this condition can wreak havoc on your body and mind.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects an estimated 936 million adults worldwide. It occurs when the airway becomes obstructed during sleep (obstructive sleep apnea), or the brain does not receive proper signals to breathe during sleep (central sleep apnea). Patients with sleep apnea often wake repeatedly throughout the night as they struggle to breathe, often snoring loudly, and may gasp or choke as they try to take in air.
What Are the Consequences of Not Treating Sleep Apnea?
While it probably seems like struggling to stay asleep and breathe are bad enough problems, if left untreated, sleep apnea can also worsen or increase your risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Metabolic syndrome
- Asthma
- Acid reflux
- Depression
- Heart disease
- Heart failure
- Heart attacks
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Weight gain
- Brain fog
- Daytime sleepiness
- Memory loss
How Can I Protect Myself?
If you are suffering from sleep apnea, it’s important to get treatment from a qualified sleep doctor or dentist. While traditionally many patients were prescribed CPAP therapy for this disorder, many find this method uncomfortable and awkward, and as a result have been historically less likely to use it. The great news is that if you don’t like CPAP, an alternative exists. Available from your dentist, oral sleep appliance therapy is more comfortable and convenient than other methods.
Because oral devices are customized to fit your mouth, they stay perfectly in place, positioning your jaw precisely so your airway remains open while lying down and helping you breathe properly while you sleep. These orthotics are also more discreet, requiring no electricity, awkward masks, or hard-to-clean tubing, making them much more likely to be used, and thereby more effective than CPAP.
If you’re struggling to fall asleep and stay asleep due to untreated sleep apnea, you could be putting your mental and physical health at risk. Don’t treat this dangerous condition like just another restless night. Speak to your dentist today about stopping your sleep apnea symptoms and finally getting the rest you deserve.
About Our Practice
At Beck Dental Care, our trio of talented and caring dentists want you to live a long and healthy life, full of plenty of restful sleep when needed. If you find yourself struggling to fall or stay asleep, it could be due to untreated sleep apnea. Don’t let this dangerous condition cost you another night: schedule a consultation with us today and get the comfortable, proper sleep you deserve. You can request an appointment on our website or give us a call at 931-388-8452.