Do you snore? You may not know that you do unless your partner or family has complained to you about it. Perhaps you snore loud enough to wake yourself up, which has been known to happen to some people from time to time. If your snoring is a part of a sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea, it may wake you up several times throughout the night. While you may not consciously remember waking up, your body can feel quite tired. Obstructive sleep apnea can lead to a variety of other health issues when it is not addressed and treated.
What OSA Makes Happen
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes a severe reduction or cessation of breathing during sleep. It is a condition where the soft tissues of your mouth and throat relax or collapse enough to block your airway and stop the flow of air. In an effort to get oxygen into the blood, your brain will try to wake your body enough to resume the breathing process. You typically will fall back to sleep so quickly that you do not register the interruption. While these episodes usually only last less than ten seconds, but they can occur hundreds of times per night which can make reaching the deep, restorative levels of sleep impossible.
The Dangers and Risks
The dangers and risks of untreated sleep apnea can come from both your lack of restful sleep and from the effects of oxygen deprivation through the night. As your body is repeatedly deprived of restorative sleep, you may begin to experience symptoms of sleep deprivation. These symptoms can include drowsiness, daytime fatigue, increased stress, weight gain, mood swings, and reduced mental performance. Dangers that can arise from the repeated interruption in your body’s oxygen supply can include increased blood pressure, and higher risks for stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. Treating sleep apnea can help to lower your risks of developing these health problems.
Snoring Can Be a Sign of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can be problematic for your health. To schedule a consultation with your dentist, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, and all surrounding communities.