When most people think about sleep apnea, they imagine snoring and difficulty breathing throughout the night. Fatigue throughout the day is also a result of this issue. However, if you leave sleep apnea untreated, you could end up with other serious issues throughout the body. Continue reading to learn more from your dentist about the dangers that sleep apnea in Danville can cause you to experience if you leave it untreated.
High Blood Pressure
Even if you already have high blood pressure, the development of sleep apnea can make it much worse. When you wake up throughout the night, your body is likely to become more stressed. Ultimately, this makes your hormone systems go into overdrive and your blood pressure will increase. Fortunately, when some patients receive treatment for sleep apnea, their blood pressure levels decrease.
Heart Disease
The truth is that people who have obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to have a heart attack. This is because sleep apnea leads to low oxygen levels during sleep. Higher risk of strokes and atrial fibrillation are also linked with this issue. Ultimately, when you don’t have enough oxygen, it is difficult for your brain to control the way that blood flows into your arteries.
Diabetes
Did you know that 80% of people who have sleep apnea may have diabetes? Obesity is a common denominator for both of these health issues.
Weight Gain
You probably already knew that being overweight can increase your risk for sleep apnea, but did you know that it works the other way as well? Having this condition also makes it harder for you to slim down. Ultimately, if you are suffering from sleep apnea, your body may release more of the hormone ghrelin. This makes you crave carbohydrates. Also, with increased fatigue, you made have a more difficult time turning food into energy.
Acid Reflux
There are many people out there who have both sleep apnea and are suffering from acid reflux. In fact, treating reflux can even help when it comes to sleep apnea symptoms.
Asthma
There seems to be a relation between asthma and sleep apnea, but there isn’t a direct link. It has become apparent that people who receive sleep apnea treatment tend to have fewer asthma attacks than those who don’t.
Sleep apnea can be serious over time if not treated, so it is a good idea to get it checked out. By seeing your doctor and dentist, you may even be able to prevent other health issues in the process.
About the Practice
At Danville Dental Associates, you have a team of skilled an experienced dentists who are ready to help you get a good night’s sleep. After walking you through a questionnaire, they will be able to determine the next steps for you. For more information on sleep apnea therapy or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (434) 822-0500.