Why Treating Sleep Apnea Is Important to Your Health
June 7, 2017
Sleep apnea is a fairly common disorder in America, and greatly affects the quality of your sleep. Estimates show that close to 20 million adults in the United States alone deal with the disorder, and that almost 80 percent of those who have the disorder are not diagnosed or treated. Over time, sleep apnea can affect more than just your sleep; it can also have a direct effect on your health. If you are concerned that you have this condition, we have a few reasons you should see a general dentist like Dr. Jeffrey Alvarado to receive treatment.
Higher Energy During the Day
One of the most serious symptoms of sleep apnea may be something you don’t even notice. Sleep apnea doesn’t just make you snore during the night, it also causes your brain to wake up several times each hour. This means that you never truly get the deep sleep you need to take on another day, but you don’t realize you are going without it. Treating sleep apnea ensures that you have the energy and focus to enjoy your day.
Long-Term Health Benefits
There are many long-term health concerns that are associated with sleep apnea, including:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Heart disease
- Increased blood pressure
- Heart arrhythmias
Sleep apnea increases the blood pressure at night as the brain is forced to make and move blood cells rich in oxygen to various systems to keep them working.
Decrease Risk of Accidents
If you aren’t getting the sleep you need, it is difficult to make sound decision through a foggy brain. Some of the most dangerous incidents in history have been linked to poor decision-making skills by those involved who were dealing with untreated sleep apnea. With treatment, you decrease your risk of crashing a vehicle or causing other accidents.
Getting Treatment Is Simple
Many non-invasive, affordable treatments are available to improve your health and deal with sleep apnea. Schedule an appointment with The Lakes Family Dental today to learn more.