What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It can cause loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, problems concentrating, difficulty staying asleep, morning headaches, and more.
The causes of Sleep Apnea are varied but often involve an obstruction in the airway or irregularities in the brain signals controlling breathing. It can be caused by physical defects such as enlarged tonsils or a deviated septum, being overweight or obese, age-related changes in the throat muscles, alcohol consumption before bedtime, smoking cigarettes, and even genetics.
9 Ways Sleep Apnea May Be Ruining Your Life:
- Poor Sleep Quality: Poor sleep quality can cause a person to feel tired and sluggish during the day, making it difficult to function properly at work or school. It can also lead to irritability and a decreased ability to concentrate on tasks.
- Unhealthy Habits: Lack of sleep has been linked to unhealthy habits such as overeating, smoking, drinking alcohol, and more. If you are regularly not getting enough restful sleep due to Sleep Apnea, you may be more prone to developing these unhealthy habits.
- Increased Risk of Serious Health Complications: People with untreated Sleep Apnea are at greater risk for developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, and other serious health problems.
- Impacted Memory: Sleep Apnea can also cause memory problems due to a lack of restful sleep and lack of oxygen reaching the brain. Studies have also shown a strong correlation in the likelihood of developing dementia for individuals who struggle with Sleep Apnea.
- Low Quality of Life: People with untreated Sleep Apnea often suffer from low quality of life due to their lack of energy and mental clarity as well as difficulty staying asleep at night. This can lead to depression, loneliness, and other negative emotions that can negatively impact overall well-being.
- Decrease in Productivity: People with Sleep Apnea often have difficulty staying awake and alert during the day which can lead to decreased productivity at work or school. It can also cause problems remembering critical information needed for success in a career.
- Lowered Metabolism: Studies have found a link between Sleep Apnea and lowered metabolism leading to weight gain. This is due to the body not being able to properly rest as it should during sleep, causing hormones that control hunger and satiety levels to become imbalanced.
- Heart Stressors: Sleep Apnea has also been shown to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke due to increased stress on the heart. This is caused by lowered oxygen levels during apneic episodes which can lead to elevated blood pressure and arrhythmias.
- Mood Swings: People suffering from Sleep Apnea often suffer from cognitive deficits, irritability, and mood swings. This can lead to poor relationships with family members and colleagues due to their inability to control their emotions.
Recognizing the Signs
The first step to tackling Sleep Apnea and getting your life back on track is to recognize early signs and symptoms. Common indicators include excessive snoring, difficulty sleeping, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, mood swings, irritability, and problems concentrating. It is important to take action if you suspect that you are suffering from this condition so that the long-term consequences can be avoided or minimized.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, the next step is to schedule an appointment with your doctor to get tested for Sleep Apnea. Treatment options can include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and avoiding alcohol before bedtime, or CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy which helps open up the airways while you sleep.
The good news is that you don’t have to live with this condition forever. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can manage your sleep apnea symptoms and get back to a healthy life!
Don’t Let Sleep Apnea Ruin You, Talk to Your Doctor Today!
Don’t let Sleep Apnea ruin your life. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can start sleeping better tonight so you can be the best version of yourself tomorrow. At Salling and Tate Dentistry, we have the best Sleep Apnea experts in town who can help you get the treatment you need. Call us today for a consultation to meet with professional healthcare providers who understand your needs and have experience helping various individuals with Sleep Apnea.
It’s time to take control, get the restful sleep you need, and get back to living a healthier and happier life!