Don’t Ignore Your Sleep Apnea

The Alaska Sleep Clinic estimates that 20 million Americans live with obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that causes the cessation of breathing while one sleeps. The most obvious primary symptoms of OSA are snoring and gasping for air in the middle of the night, though the condition causes several secondary symptoms that can negatively affect one's quality of life. If a person shows signs of having sleep apnea, it is imperative to undergo a sleep study and receive appropriate treatment.
Reasons one should never ignore the signs of sleep apnea
OSA causes brief bouts of wakefulness up to 30 times an hour throughout the night. These episodes of wakefulness, combined with the low oxygen levels, can lead to several life-altering and possibly life-threatening consequences. Below are just five reasons one should never ignore the signs of OSA.
1.Daytime fatigue
Even if a person gets the recommended eight hours of sleep each night, sleep apnea causes interrupted sleep, which results in daytime fatigue. Daytime fatigue is characterized by concentration problems, memory issues, irritability and lack of productivity. It may also cause a person to fall asleep at inconvenient or even dangerous times. For instance, according to WebMD, people with sleep apnea are five times more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel and cause an accident than those without the condition.
2.Weight gain
Individuals with sleep apnea are more likely to gain weight than those who do not have the condition. The weight gain is the result of several factors. For one, the metabolism slows down when a person is sleep deprived. Two, a sleep-deprived individual has less energy to work out or to prepare healthy meals for oneself.
Three, sleep deprivation causes a hormone imbalance. When asleep, the body produces two hormones, ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin tells a person when to eat while leptin tells the body to stop eating. During a solid six to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep, the body produces equal amounts of the hormones. However, when a person sleeps fitfully, the body may produce more ghrelin and less leptin, which equates to weight gain.
3.Type 2 diabetes
Just like lack of sleep can affect the body's ability to produce proper amounts of leptin and ghrelin, so too can it affect the body's ability to regulate insulin. When the body fails to regulate insulin, a person's risk for developing diabetes increases exponentially. In fact, WebMD suggests that 80% or more of people who live with diabetes also have OSA.
4.Heart disease
Sleep apnea disrupts how the body takes in oxygen, which leads to low oxygen levels. Low oxygen levels, combined with the stress that comes with interrupted sleep, increase one's risk for heart attack and stroke.
5.High blood pressure
Sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure or make an existing condition worse. When a person has to constantly wake to catch their breath, the body become stressed. Stress makes the body's hormones go into overdrive, which raises blood pressure levels. Conversely, treatment for OSA can help regulate blood pressure levels.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is not a condition one should take lightly. With proper treatment from a qualified dental professional, one can control sleep apnea and improve overall quality of life.
Request an appointment here: https://www.cosmeticdentistoffice.com or call Rachel Cole DDS PC at (503) 248-1114 for an appointment in our Portland office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
If you have ever had a dental crown placed, you know that the process often involves multiple visits and temporary crowns. A CEREC dentist offers a faster solution to the typical dental crown process. Using advanced technology, these dentists create durable, high-quality crowns in just one appointment.A CEREC dentist uses Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)…
While practicing good oral hygiene at home is important, routinely visiting a dental office is essential to maintaining oral health and achieving a confident smile. Whether seeking preventive care, restorative treatments, or cosmetic dental services, understanding what to expect can help make the experience more comfortable and productive. Here are five things patients should know…
Wondering whether general dentists can provide orthodontics for their patients? Yes, they can. While not all dentists offer orthodontic services, having straight teeth is important to dental health. Fortunately, clear aligners are one of the more popular straightening options that dentists can offer.Learning more about orthodontics is a great idea for anyone who wants or…
When searching for a dentist near me, it is important to find someone who provides excellent care and makes every visit a positive experience. A great dentist combines skill, modern tools, and a patient-focused approach to help maintain and improve your oral health. Whether you need a routine checkup or a more complex procedure, choosing…