Why Sleep Apnea Treatment Is Important

Snoring is not the only sign of sleep apnea. It is a significant sleep condition that may have a negative impact on your health and quality of life in a short amount of time. Aside from feeling tired and drowsy throughout the day, untreated sleep apnea makes you vulnerable to different major health problems, including cardiovascular issues, diabetes, depression, and stroke.

The need for treatment

Undergoing treatment for sleeping-disordered breathing may be beneficial to one’s overall health. Adequate sleep — seven to nine hours each night — is critical for good health, and sleep apnea may inhibit restful sleep.

Sleep apnea and other sleep-disordered breathing are usually signaled by momentary cessation of breathing, followed by a short awakening before resuming breathing. Due to the reduced oxygen levels in the body, the person may feel tired throughout the day.

Sleep apnea affects millions of people in the United States. It affects a wide variety of individuals, with postmenopausal people being particularly underdiagnosed. Patients who have been told that they snore, feel drowsy throughout the day, and have difficulties focusing or remembering things should speak to the dental professional about a sleep disorder. Benefits of getting treatment for sleep apnea include the following. 

More refreshing sleep

Sleep apnea causes breathing cessation up to 90 times every hour. The body wakes up a bit with each stop before restarting breathing, preventing the person from receiving enough deep sleep to feel rejuvenated the following day. If the body can breathe freely, the person can expect to feel more rested and have more energy throughout the day.

Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke

According to the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort study (WSC), the risk of hypertension was roughly three times higher in individuals who had many sleep disruptions than those who did not have any. Stroke risk was 4.5 times higher in those who had significant sleep disturbances.

Improved diabetes management

The risk of developing diabetes is higher in those who have sleep apnea. In a review of many trials published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society, researchers discovered that sleep apnea treatment increased insulin resistance in people who did not have diabetes. Diabetes patients with untreated sleep apnea had worse blood sugar management.

Lower depression risk

The WSC discovered that as the degree of sleep disruptions grew, so did the likelihood of depression. Any level of sleep disruption was linked to an elevated risk of depression, but those with severe disruptions had a 2.6 times greater chance of depression than those who did not.

Lower risk of cancer

Obstructive sleep apnea was linked to a greater risk of cancer in a cohort study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Colorectal, prostate, lung, and breast cancers were the most-often-diagnosed malignancies. Men and people under the age of 65 were among those who were most impacted.

Improved vitality

One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is constant daytime exhaustion. Due to a lack of sleep, many feel that they cannot keep their eyes open for long periods. When the airways are blocked due to sleep apnea, the body has to exert itself to get air flowing again, which disrupts sleep cycles.

Disruption to the circadian rhythm or sleep cycles means the body cannot get the restorative sleep that it needs for mental and physical recovery. A few weeks after starting sleep apnea treatment, some patients report an instant rise in their energy levels, while others see a significant improvement over time.

Fewer headaches

Constantly waking up with a headache might be one of the most distressing signs of sleep apnea, and it is due to oxygen deficiency in blood circulation. Circulation improves when blood vessels widen in response to oxygen supply. In the absence of enough oxygen, carbon dioxide is recirculated, leading to inflammation and other symptoms. Patients may find themselves in a cycle of agony, waking up every morning or in the middle of the night with migraines.

Reduced risk of diabetes

Hypoxia, or oxygen deprivation due to sleep apnea, directly impacts glucose metabolism. However, evidence from the World Journal of Diabetes shows that sleep apnea treatment may enhance glucose homeostasis by decreasing glucose resistance and better regulating the metabolic process. Sleep apnea treatment has also been shown to improve the management of type 2 diabetes.

In conclusion

Fortunately, sleep apnea can be treated, and patients now have more alternatives than ever before. The professionals at the general dentistry office would be delighted to assist you in discovering the importance of sleep apnea treatment.

Request an appointment here: https://whiteflintfamilydental.com or call White Flint Family Dental at (301) 273-1085 for an appointment in our Rockville office.

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