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THE SERIOUS RISKS OF SLEEP APNEA

Jan 11, 2024
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THE SERIOUS RISKS OF SLEEP APNEA

Sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, is more than just loud snoring or a minor inconvenience that makes you feel tired in the morning. It affects millions of people worldwide and poses serious risks to both mental and physical well-being. To learn more, let’s delve into the dangers sleep apnea poses and why it’s vital to prioritize our sleep health.

PHYSICAL RISKS OF SLEEP APNEA

Sleep apnea can have detrimental effects on our physical health as it’s associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and even stroke. Furthermore, it’s linked to the development of disorders such as obesity and diabetes, which, in turn, are linked to heart disease and high blood pressure.

The frequent interruptions in breathing while you sleep also lead to daytime drowsiness and impaired focus and concentration, leading to increased chances of injuries and motor vehicle accidents.

RISKS TO MENTAL HEALTH

Studies have shown a link between sleep apnea and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Not only that, but it can also lead to cognitive impairment, such as memory problems, trouble making decisions, or difficulty concentrating.

This level of chronic fatigue can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and lead to strained relationships and poor decisions.

LONG-TERM HEALTH CONSEQUENCES

Failing to address sleep apnea can have severe long-term consequences if not dealt with immediately. Long-term consequences include neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia or Parkinson’s, metabolic disorders, or cardiovascular diseases. Not only that, but those with untreated sleep apnea face an increased mortality risk as they might stop breathing altogether if their sleep apnea worsens.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OPTIONS

Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed easily and treated with different treatment options. Diagnosing sleep apnea either involves home sleep tests or overnight sleep studies of your breathing patterns while you sleep.

Although a CPAP machine is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, some patients are bothered by the bulky machine and headgear. The CPAP can be noisy, both for themself and their partner. That’s why oral appliance therapy is a great option. These small retainers are an easy-to-use, effective solution for sleep apnea.

SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA

There are many common symptoms of sleep apnea, most of which people ignore because they believe those symptoms to be normal. Those overlooked symptoms include loud snoring, waking up with a dry mouth, difficulty paying attention while they’re awake, and daytime sleepiness. Other symptoms include gasping for air while you sleep, waking up with a headache, difficulty staying asleep, irritability, and episodes where you stop breathing during the night.

CONTACT US

Timely detection and intervention are paramount when it comes to diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. It’s vital to take steps to mitigate the risks associated with the condition and improve your overall health.

It’s important to remember that a good night’s sleep is not just a luxury, but it’s essential for a healthy life. Take back control of your sleep quality and contact Denver Sleep Apnea Center to request an appointment today. Call our Denver, CO office at (303) 758-4865 or use our online contact form.