Sleep apnea can make you feel tired day after day, but for many people, that might not seem like a big deal. The truth is, though, that tiredness is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the consequences of not properly treating your sleep apnea. This blog post discusses how your condition might affect your health and quality of life if you do not receive timely care.
Hypertension and Heart Disease
Sleep apnea causes multiple micro-arousals throughout the night, which can put a lot of stress on your body. That stress, in turn, may contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure). Untreated sleep apnea is also linked to an increased risk of heart attack, heart disease, and stroke.
Type 2 Diabetes
According to one estimate, 80% or more of people with type 2 diabetes also have sleep apnea. One possible explanation for this correlation is the fact that poor-quality sleep and sleep deprivation can interfere with the function of certain hormones, including insulin. It may also affect your hunger/satiety signals, which could cause you to overindulge in comfort foods that are not recommended for individuals with insulin resistance.
Weight Gain
The relationship between weight gain and sleep apnea is a two-way street. Carrying excess body fat can place pressures on your airway, which heightens your risk of breathing disruptions throughout the night. On the other side of the equation, poor quality sleep can make it difficult to adhere to a good diet and exercise routine that promotes effective weight management.
Accidents
A lack of high-quality sleep can interfere with your ability to respond quickly in dangerous situations. Therefore, you may be at a greatly increased risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. In fact, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that drowsy driving is a factor in around 328,000 crashes each year.
Memory Loss
The deeper stages of sleep are important for memory storage. Unfortunately, sleep apnea can disrupt your deep sleep, leading to a heightened risk of forgetfulness and mild cognitive impairment. Sleep apnea is even associated with an increased chance of dementia.
Relationship Problems
Sleep apnea and poor sleep can adversely affect your relationships with other people in numerous ways:
- You may be at a higher risk of sexual dysfunction and decreased libido.
- You may be more likely to develop symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- You might not have the energy to engage in meaningful social interactions with your friends and family.
Sleep apnea is more than just an annoyance! It could have major effects on your life and health. Fortunately, treatment can help you get the rest you need to protect your overall wellness.
Meet the Practice
At Boerne Dental Center, we are proud to offer effective sleep apnea therapy in the form of custom oral appliances. These small devices can keep your airway open during sleep and help you get the high-quality shuteye that your brain and body need. To learn more about this effective CPAP alternative, contact us at 830-249-2045.