If you feel like you know a lot of people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you’re not crazy. OSA cases in the US have been on the rise for the past several years. Lack of a good night’s sleep is more than just annoying, though! What’s complicated about sleep apnea is that lack of sleep can contribute to several other health issues, either triggering dormant ones or aggravating existing conditions.
To learn more about OSA risk factors and how treatment could alleviate your symptoms, keep reading!
High Blood Pressure
Patients with high blood pressure might find that OSA makes it more difficult to manage their symptoms. Frequent waking stresses the body out – literally. Hormones kick into high gear and work overtime, which, among other things, increases blood pressure. Many patients who seek out sleep apnea treatment find that their blood pressure levels improve, sometimes to the point where their doctors can lower their blood pressure medication!
Heart Disease
Since OSA patients don’t breathe properly when they sleep, they can have a hard time getting enough oxygen to support smooth biological functions. For example, when oxygen levels are low, the brain responds by constricting blood vessels, making it more difficult for blood to circulate and reach your heart. As a result, those with OSA are more likely to encounter heart diseases.
Obesity
Obesity and OSA is a tough combination to crack. Irregular weight gain increases the amount of tissue obstructing the airways, aggravating sleep apnea symptoms. At the same time, not getting enough rest disrupts how your body processes energy – it’s hard to lose weight when you’re tired all the time! Treating OSA can make it easier to get up and get moving, while managing your weight can improve your quality of sleep.
Being a Man
No, being assigned male at birth isn’t a disease! However, men are more likely to develop OSA than women and are less likely to consult a doctor for health issues. If your snoring is keeping your significant other up at night or you’re just not sleeping like you used to, ask your doctor about a sleep apnea diagnosis and see your dentist for treatment!
This post isn’t meant to scare you. It just goes to show how important it is to get a good night’s sleep, and that if you have a complicated cocktail of health issues, it might be a good idea to make sure sleep apnea isn’t making your symptoms worse. Check in with your dentist, and they can help you determine whether sleep apnea treatment is right for you!
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller earned his dental doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He’s had over 40 years of experience in dentistry thus far, so he’s pretty much seen everything – including his fair share of OSA cases! If sleep apnea is disrupting your sleep and affecting your health, Dr. Voller can provide you with a custom oral appliance to help you breathe easy and dream uninterrupted. To contact his office, call 724-543-4948.