Why Sleep Apnea Is So Serious
One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is snoring during the night. This may seem like a minor annoyance for you or for your partner. However, you may not have realized just how serious this condition can be for you. Treating sleep apnea, whether it is mild or severe, is extremely important for your overall health and quality of life.
High blood pressure from sleep apnea
For patients who already have high blood pressure, sleep apnea can worsen the blood pressure problems. Waking up during the night many times can make the body stressed. This can increase levels of hormones, which can cause blood pressure to go up. The lack of sufficient oxygen in the blood pressure can also cause issues with blood pressure. However, getting sleep apnea treatment can help to reduce high blood pressure.
Heart attacks
Waking up so often during the night can increase the body’s levels of stress. This, combined with low oxygen levels, can lead to atrial fibrillation as well as strokes. Because the flow of oxygen in the body has been disrupted, it is more difficult for the brain to control how the blood will flow into the brain and the arteries in the body.
Weight gain and diabetes
As many as 80% or more of people who have diabetes also have obstructive sleep apnea. While there is no link yet between diabetes and sleep apnea, not getting enough sleep can prevent the body from properly using insulin. This can lead to diabetes.
Sleep apnea is linked to weight gain. Weighing too much can increase an individual’s chances of having both diabetes and sleep apnea. This leads to a vicious circle because sleep apnea can prevent individuals from properly losing the extra pounds.
Not sleeping properly at night can cause sleepiness during the day. This can cause individuals to be less likely to get the exercise that they need during the day. The hormones that are released from a lack of sleep can also cause people to crave sweets and carbs more often than usual.
Daytime tiredness
While being tired during the day is not in itself a serious health condition, it can cause more problems. For example, people who are tired during the day are more likely to fall asleep while driving. Being groggy can also impair the brain’s function. This, in turn, can cause an individual to react slower while at the wheel. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, people who have sleep apnea are about two and a half times more likely to have traffic accidents.
Visit a dentist today
The good news is that you have a variety of options to treat your sleep apnea. A dental appliance is a popular method for treating sleep apnea. It can prevent your tongue or your lower jaw from falling into your airway. Visiting a dentist will allow you to get the treatment that you need for your sleep apnea.
Request an appointment here: https://www.providencefamilydentistry.com or call Providence Family Dentistry at (678) 496-7021 for an appointment in our Mableton office.
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