You may feel that your snoring is just an inconvenience for your partner, but it could be an indication of a more serious health problem – sleep apnea. This condition, often overlooked and underdiagnosed, is more than just disruptive to your sleep; it can also pose significant health risks if left untreated. This comprehensive guide unpacks the risks of untreated sleep apnea and offers practical advice on addressing it.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that causes frequent pauses in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can last from a few seconds to minutes and often result in a lack of oxygen in the brain, leading to a range of health complications. Individuals like Dr. Kelley Mingus dedicate their medical practice to offering innovative solutions to sleep apnea, emphasizing the importance of treating the condition promptly.
What happens during a sleep apnea episode?
During a sleep apnea episode, your body struggles to regulate your breathing. This battle for oxygen often wakes you up – sometimes without you even realizing it. A waking cycle can repeat hundreds of times in a night, preventing you from reaching the deep, restorative stages of sleep. Consequently, individuals with untreated sleep apnea often feel tired and unfocused during the day.
The Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea exposes you to a variety of health risks. Ignoring the symptoms can trigger adverse side effects and exacerbate existing health conditions.
Cardiovascular Complications
The repeated bouts of low oxygen level during sleep apnea episodes stress your cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Abnormal heart rhythms
Mental Health Disorders
Sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea can also contribute to mental health disorders, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
Other Health Consequences
Apart from cardiovascular and mental health problems, untreated sleep apnea can also lead to:
- Weight gain
- Impaired glucose metabolism, increasing the risk of diabetes
- Decreased sexual function and desire
- Complications in surgery and medication
Sleep Apnea Treatments
Common treatments for sleep apnea include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, which are not always tolerable. Dentists like Dr. Kelley Mingus offer alternative therapies like custom mouth appliances and orthotic devices, while innovative facial growth treatments aim to develop the jaw and airway to clear obstructions. Take control of your health and, together with advice from your medical provider, consider the appropriate course of action to manage sleep apnea.
Easing Sleep Apnea With Lifestyle Changes
In conjunction with medical treatments, certain lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in mitigating the symptoms of sleep apnea:
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight increases the risk of sleep apnea and losing weight can reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Avoid alcohol, smoking, and sedatives
These substances relax the throat muscles and interfere with breathing, exacerbating sleep apnea symptoms.
Establish a regular sleep schedule
A consistent sleep schedule can significantly improve your overall sleep quality and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
Ignoring sleep apnea is not worth the health risks it exposes you to. Pursue options that fit your specific needs — because everyone deserves a good night’s sleep.