Dangerous Side Effects of Sleep Apnea
August 10, 2018
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that occurs when the airway is blocked while a person is sleeping. There are different types of apnea – some of which are caused by the brain simply not sending signals, and others caused by blockage of the airway from the tongue or throat closing. The good news is that sleep apnea is treatable – you can even ask your dentist in Palm Harbor, FL, about options to reduce snoring and help you get a better night’s sleep. Leaving the sleep apnea untreated can result in some serious and dangerous side effects.
Side Effects of Bad Sleep
The most obvious side effect of untreated sleep apnea is a bad night’s sleep – except it is likely to continue for much more than one night. Bad sleep can result in sleep deprivation, which can slow your reflexes and make you less aware of the situations around you. This is particularly dangerous if you do a lot of driving. You could be at a higher risk of falling asleep behind the wheel and causing an accident. Other side effects have to do with your health
- People with sleep apnea are at a higher risk of developing heart disease and suffering from a heart attack or stroke because of disruption of the flow of oxygen in the body.
- With less sleep, you may have a harder time losing weight, so you are at a higher risk for obesity.
- Suffering from obesity also puts you at risk for type 2 diabetes – which 80 percent of people with sleep apnea suffer from.
Steps You Can Take
If you find you are not getting good sleep at night, you snore, or you wake up often with a sore throat, you may have sleep apnea. The first thing you should do is seek help from a qualified professional, such as your physician or a dentist like Dr. Dan Knellinger. You can then form a plan of treatment tailored to your needs.
Contact Us Today
The sooner you act on your apnea, the quicker you may get your life back on track. Contact our office at Knellinger Dental Excellence to schedule your visit with Dr. Knellinger right away.