Every night, countless people miss out on innumerable hours of sleep because of sleep apnea. What’s worse is that an even larger number of sleep apnea cases out there remain completely undiagnosed. This means that quite a few people out in the world are walking, driving, and loafing around with daytime fatigue and sleepiness. But did you know that if left unresolved, sleep apnea can lead to some very serious, potentially even fatal, consequences? Continue reading to learn more about this condition and some of the risks it carries, along with how it can be treated with the help of your sleep dentist.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects around 40 million US adults, making it a very widespread condition. That said, its frequency doesn’t make it any less serious. One of the most common forms of the condition, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), involves blockage of the patient’s airway during sleep, usually caused by the collapse of tissues within the throat.
To put it simply, patients affected by sleep apnea aren’t able to remain asleep at night, since their body forces them to wake up in order to normalize their breathing patterns. They’re frequently stirred from deep sleep, thereby missing out on its restorative benefits and resulting in exhaustion and other health issues.
What Are the Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea?
The risks of untreated sleep apnea can vary depending on the type of sleep apnea that’s been diagnosed. For example, experts believe that obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to or worsen several health issues, such as:
- High blood pressure – Researchers believe that obstructive sleep apnea can worsen blood pressure; the reasons for this include low oxygen levels at night, changes in hormones, and an activated nervous system.
- Diabetes – People with OSA are at an increased risk of developing diabetes; this is tied to an increased risk of insulin resistance.
- Pulmonary hypertension – Over time, breathing disruptions can change the structure of the blood vessels in the lungs. This results in heightened blood pressure in the arteries between the heart and lungs.
- Stroke – Untreated OSA also increases the chances of stroke.
Untreated sleep apnea can also lead to other complications like fatigue, lessened concentration and decision-making capabilities, and impaired memory; however, those listed above have some very serious, potentially even fatal, consequences. So while sleep apnea won’t outright prove fatal, if untreated it will likely lead to complications that certainly threaten your overall wellness.
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
Knowing the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea can help you know when it’s time for professional treatment. Symptoms like chronic snoring, gasping for air at night, and frequent daytime fatigue are just a few of the telltale signs. To diagnose sleep apnea, you’ll have to undergo a sleep study—but once diagnosed, popular treatment options include CPAP machines and oral appliance therapy, both of which are proven to help with symptoms. Additional behavioral and lifestyle changes can also be implemented focused on facilitating sleep.
Sleep apnea isn’t something that you must suffer through or needlessly endure—given the complications that can arise, it’s always going to be in your best interest to seek treatment and get back to catching z’s.
About the Practice
Star Sleep & Wellness in Irving has proudly served patients in Irving and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide range of services tailored toward managing and resolving sleep disorders and their related symptoms. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for you or someone you know, feel free to contact the practice through their website or by phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (844) 409-4657.