Sleep Assessment
Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes pauses in breathing during sleep. While it may not seem like a big deal, it is actually a serious problem! Without timely professional care, it could increase your risk of numerous complications. In this blog post, you will learn about some of the potential consequences that may arise from untreated sleep apnea.
Cardiovascular Complications
Sleep apnea is closely linked to various cardiovascular problems. For example, one major concern is high blood pressure. When you experience frequent pauses in breathing, your body becomes stressed, leading to hypertension. Over time, this may increase your risk of heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes. All of these conditions are life-threatening.
Type 2 Diabetes
Untreated sleep apnea can play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes. The interrupted breathing episodes can interfere with your body’s ability to use insulin effectively. In turn, this can contribute to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, if you already have type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea may make it more challenging to manage your condition.
Unwanted Weight Gain
Sleep apnea can contribute to unwanted weight gain in a few ways. For example, it can affect your body’s levels of the hormones that signal hunger and satiety, causing you to eat more than you need. Constant fatigue may make it more difficult for you to get enough physical activity to burn an adequate number of calories each day.
Memory Loss
Quality sleep is essential for cognitive function. Sleep apnea disrupts your sleep cycle, preventing you from reaching the deep stages of sleep necessary for memory consolidation. As a result, you may experience memory loss and difficulty concentrating. Sleep apnea is even associated with an increased risk of dementia!
Poor Emotional Health
Sleep apnea can take a toll on your emotional well-being. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and even depression. You may find it challenging to cope with daily stressors and maintain positive relationships with others.
Seek Timely Treatment
The potential consequences of untreated sleep apnea are serious, but the good news is that effective treatments are available. For example, you may qualify for a custom oral appliance from a dentist, which can keep your airway open during sleep and promote high-quality rest. Consistently complying with your treatment may improve your quality of life now and protect your future health!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Michael E. Michel is an experienced sleep dentist who is proud to serve the Topeka area. He has completed extensive training in sleep apnea, and he has already helped countless patients to achieve better health through oral appliance therapy. If you would like to learn more about how you can cope with sleep apnea and minimize the health risks associated with it, get in touch with our office at 785-273-0801.