Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea is linked directly to an enhanced risk of metabolic and cardiovascular health. The scariest thing is that you might not even know if it’s there. Apnea occurs when the upper airway muscle relaxes while sleeping and prevents you from sufficient oxygen. The breathing usually pauses for 10 seconds or more than that at a time.

How Does Sleep Apnea Endanger Your Health?

Sleep apnea when left untreated can cause the following medical conditions:

1. Fatigue During Daytime

Sleep apnea makes the patient wake up repeatedly while sleeping. This helps him/her to get a relaxed sleep. It also results in daytime sleepiness and fatigue, making it more likely to get involved in workplace or vehicle mishaps.

2. Cardiovascular Issues

OSA can also put you at a high risk of heart attacks, abnormal heart weeks, and heart strokes. The primary cause may be less oxygen. Sleep apnea unbalances your body to take oxygen inside. It makes it challenging for your brain to control the blood flow in the brain and arteries.

3. High Blood Flow

If you have high blood pressure, apnea can make it worse. Waking up at night causes the changing hormones to increase blood pressure. Moreover, a drop in oxygen levels in the blood also results in a problem.

4. Type-2 Diabetes

Did you know sleep apnea is most common among individuals with type-2 diabetes? Although there are no studies that have shown a connection between type-2 diabetes and sleep apnea, not getting sufficient rest prevents the body from using insulin well. It results in diabetes.

5. Increase in Weight

Having extra weight increases your chances of getting apnea. During weight gain, fatty deposits in the neck hinder breathing during the night. Also, apnea releases the ghrelin hormone more.

It allows the individual to crave sweets and carbohydrates. Apnea also causes fatigue all the time. So, the patient will fail to convert the food into energy leading to weight gain.

6. Memory Loss

Seniors with sleep apnea usually have memory issues. This condition is “mild cognitive impairment.” One research has shown that memory loss from MCI is displayed immediately when a person has a condition like OSA. That is why timely OSA treatment is vital because it helps delay memory issues from getting worse.

7. Liver Problems

Sleep-related disorders like apnea also cause liver complications. For example, the liver is more likely to show scaring symptoms.

8. Metabolic Syndrome

A metabolic syndrome is a group of serious conditions that hikes the risk of heart stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. It is also connected with obstructive sleep apnea. So, make sure you get in touch with the doctor immediately. It will help you get healthy lifestyle changes and prompt treatment.

How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea?

If you have the following signs, you likely have apnea:

Snoring

Snoring is the main sign of sleep apnea. It can make you wake up with a sore throat or dry mouth in the morning.When snoring gets worse, the risk of getting serious health problems increases.

Therefore, ensure you get a complete evaluation from a sleep specialist or an experienced dentist near you. He/she will assess your condition and tell you if you have any risk from apnea.

Depression

Sleep apnea causes insufficiency of oxygen and sleep. It results in depression amongst the patient. So, it is essential to get yourself tested and treated immediately. Sleep apnea treatment helps you enjoy a restful sleep all night.

Migraines

Do you struggle with migraines like headaches in the morning? If yes, you might have sleep apnea. Migraine usually is due to the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood.

TMJ Issues

Studies have proved a close connection between Temporomandibular Joint disorders and sleep apnea. So, if you are facing jaw issues, contact the dentist instantly. Effective sleep apnea treatment at Landmark Smiles of Scottsdale can help you restore the right alignment in the jaw area and reduce TMJ issues.

Type-2 Diabetes

One study has shown that OSA alters the glucose metabolism in an individual. It encourages insulin resistance and hikes the risk of heart strokes, type-2 diabetes, cancer of prostate, colon, breast, etc.

Obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of getting chronic and short-term health conditions. Sometimes, it also returns in sudden death. Call today.

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