Patients affected by sleep apnea experience numerous breathing interruptions during sleep. In more severe cases, this can happen hundreds of times every night. The condition most often affects males, but other risk factors include:
Because sleep plays such a vital role in health and wellness, all sleep disorders should be taken seriously. Failure to see a medical or dental professional for treatment can come with life-altering short- and long-term consequences.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of sleep apnea and to seek professional evaluation to determine the underlying cause. Most people with this type of sleep disorder notice these common short-term aftereffects.
Patients with sleep apnea may not realize they are waking several times each night. This can impair restful sleep and lead to fatigue during the day. A persistent, unexplained lack of energy should always be addressed with a doctor.
Morning headaches that tend to ease after a few hours may be a result of sleep apnea. Unlike migraines or hormonal headaches, the pain is not accompanied by other symptoms, such as sensitivity to light or sound and nausea. These headaches can be a result of lower oxygen levels during the night when breathing is impaired.
Sleep disorders can impair cognitive function, having a negative impact on daily routines. Sleep apnea can lead to lack of focus, problems in school, trouble with memory, and even difficulty operating a motor vehicle.
Like many other health conditions, sleep apnea tends to worsen over time if left untreated. The disorder also strains the body's most crucial systems, which can result in disease and even death.
Insufficient sleep can cause blood sugar levels to rise and may lead to eventual insulin resistance. When combined with poor eating habits to compensate for a lack of energy, these side effects significantly increase a person's risk for developing or worsening diabetes.
Sleep apnea places a tremendous amount of stress on the heart and lungs. Over time, this can lead to increased blood pressure, heart disease, and even heart attack or stroke. Those who are overweight are at a higher risk for these complications.
Lack of sleep has a direct impact on mental health. Patients who do not get sufficient rest can experience hormonal imbalances and reduced production of serotonin and dopamine. These changes can lead to anxiety and depression.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: What Happens if Sleep Apnea Goes Untreated in Fresno, CA
Sleep apnea can be a dangerous health issue when left untreated. Those who experience symptoms should seek prompt professional diagnosis and treatment. Some patients can see a reduction in sleep apnea symptoms by wearing a dental mouthpiece at night and changing sleeping positions. Moderate to severe cases will likely require the use of a CPAP machine. In some situations, surgery may be necessary. Oftentimes a sleep study is used to provide a clear diagnosis and treatment plan to deal with symptoms before they become serious.
Request an appointment or call Complete Dental at 559-549-6879 for an appointment in our Fresno office.
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that results in an involuntary disruption of breathing during the sleep cycle. This condition most often occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked while sleeping, which causes a reduction or cessation of airflow. It may also happen if the brain does not send the proper signals needed to…
Many patients have sleep apnea, a type of sleep disorder that causes them to experience a blockage in the upper airway while sleeping, which results in an interruption in airflow. Apnea often causes patients to wake up briefly but repeatedly in the night during these airflow interruptions to help reopen the airways. As a result,…
As a serious sleep disorder, sleep apnea interrupts the breathing cycle throughout the night and leaves a person feeling tired and restless. There are many symptoms that can be attributed to this condition, and a dentist can help patients evaluate whether or not they are a candidate for a diagnosis. Some of the symptoms of…
The same day crown procedure is ideal if you would like to get a dental crown without multiple dental appointments. This same day crown manufacturing and attachment method is completed in one dental visit and can be incredibly time-saving. It helps to have an overview of the process of getting same day crown before visiting…
Patients who experience clicking or popping in the temporomandibular joint may have developed the combined jaw joint and facial muscle dysfunction referred to as TMJ disorder. Patients who are female, deal with stress or anxiety, or have other health conditions that affect the muscles and joints may warrant an evaluation. Because TMJ can be a…