As many as 39 million people in the United States suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. This medical condition can have significant consequences on your overall health and well-being.
At Advanced Care Dentistry, Thomas O. Marxen, DDS, MSD, and the skilled team want you to understand the dangers of sleep apnea and be able to recognize its symptoms so you can seek prompt treatment.
Here’s why sleep apnea is considered a dangerous condition and what you can do about it.
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.
These interruptions can last a few seconds to a minute and occur dozens of times per hour. Your brain senses that you can’t breathe and protects you by briefly waking you up. You may not realize you wake up so often, but the disorder prevents healthy, restful sleep.
The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax excessively, causing airway blockage.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
While snoring alone doesn’t always indicate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it is one of the most common symptoms. Up to 94% of people with obstructive sleep apnea report snoring
Poor sleep can cause mood changes, interfere with work, and make you feel unrested. It can also have a very serious impact on your health. These are some of the severe effects of sleep apnea:
Sleep apnea is strongly linked to cardiovascular issues. The repeated episodes of interrupted breathing cause fluctuations in oxygen levels, which can increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. This elevates your risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke, and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
One of the most noticeable effects of sleep apnea is excessive daytime sleepiness. Frequent sleep disruptions prevent one from reaching the deeper, restorative stages of sleep. This can lead to chronic fatigue, making concentrating, staying alert, and performing daily tasks difficult. It also increases the risk of accidents, particularly while driving or operating machinery.
Sleep apnea can contribute to metabolic disorders, including Type 2 diabetes. The stress and sleep fragmentation caused by apnea episodes often leads to insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Sleep apnea is also associated with weight gain and obesity, which are both risk factors for diabetes and other metabolic conditions.
Sleep apnea can have a significant impact on mental health. Chronic sleep deprivation and disrupted sleep can lead to mood swings, anxiety, depression, and cognitive difficulties. The condition can also impact existing mental health issues, making it harder to manage symptoms effectively.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea or suspect your partner does, it’s important to seek medical evaluation. Once you’re diagnosed, we can help with treatment.
We recommend a mandibular advancement device (MAD) – a custom-fitted mouthpiece designed to prevent your lower jaw from receding too far into your throat. It also stops your tongue from dropping toward the back of your throat, helping to keep your airway open and allowing for the free flow of oxygen.
The team at Advanced Care Dentistry has observed remarkable patient success with the Avant® device by Somnomed. This device provides enhanced strength, a small size, and increased comfort.
An oral appliance is an excellent choice for anyone who cannot tolerate Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), which involves wearing a mask connected to a machine to keep your airway open during slumber. The CPAP can be loud, uncomfortable, and inconvenient.
You also benefit from lifestyle modifications, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives to improve sleep apnea symptoms.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea or have been diagnosed, reach out to Advanced Care Dentistry to find out if you’re a candidate for our treatment. Call Advanced Care Dentistry or use this website to book an appointment.
