Effects and Consequences of Sleep Apnea
Over 95% percent of people with sleep apnea don’t know they have it. Millions of people struggle with the effects of poor sleep and low blood oxygen levels without knowing what is wrong. This leads to a variety of concerns, both immediate and long-term, that can be dangerous. These consequences can even become fatal if not treated.
Immediate Concerns
Some of the immediate results of sleep apnea include:
- Heavy snoring
- Daytime sleepiness
- Lack of concentration
- Irritability
- Fragmented sleeping
- Chronic headaches
Long-Term Concerns
Over time, sleep apnea can lead to many other conditions, as well as running the risk of becoming fatal on its own if breathing is stopped for too long. Some of the cumulative effects include:
- Weight gain and obesity
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Alzheimer’s
- GERD
- A-fib
Other Concerns
Beyond medical concerns, sleep breathing disorders can cause a host of other issues. Loud snoring has sold more twin beds and two-bedroom homes than has ever been recorded before. An irregular sleeping pattern can cause immune system suppression and can increase your chances of developing cancer.
Pregnancy can cause changes in the body that increase the likelihood of apneas. Not only is the mother not getting enough oxygen or a good night’s sleep, but the oxygen-starved blood is being delivered to the developing baby as well. This may be a major contributing factor to the growing rate of autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities in children
Sleep is a restorative period, and the body does most of its healing while you are in deep stages of sleep. If sleep is continually interrupted, it is difficult for necessary repairs to be made, and may lead to premature aging, especially in the brain.
Dr. Louie is a dentist specializing in sleep medicine in Los Angeles, CA. He offers oral appliance therapy and other tools to her patients to help keep obstructive sleep apnea under control. If you have sleep apnea, or think you may, call to make an appointment with us today.