Do you snore loudly during sleep? Do you wake up during the night catching your breath? If you experience either of these two symptoms, you may be having the sleeping disorder known as sleep apnea. This is a serious disorder characterized by pauses or lapses in breathing for seconds to minutes at a time during sleep. This happens repeatedly during the night; thus, giving the brain and your entire body less oxygen. When sleep apnea is left untreated, the body compensates for this lack of oxygen in various ways. Sleep apnea, therefore, must not be taken lightly. Here are 5 reasons why you should take this disease seriously.
- Serious illnesses may develop – These diseases include high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes, among others. Oxygen is important for our circulatory system, because it carries food and nutrients with it. With lack of oxygen, serious illnesses can develop because the circulatory system compensates for this oxygen deficiency. Studies have linked sleep apnea with the aforementioned disease; stressing the importance of seeking immediate treatment for sleep apnea.
- Poor concentration and over fatigue – Breathing lapses during sleep result in frequent awakenings; leaving you feeling tired all the time. People with sleep apnea have trouble concentrating at school and at work, resulting in poor work performance and relationship problems.
- Depression may develop – A good night’s sleep is very important for a sound mind and body. Do you notice how irritable you become with lack of sleep? Since sleep apnea gives you a disturbed sleep every night, depression and attitude problems may develop.
- Worsening of ADHD – ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This is a psychological and mental disorder wherein the affected person displays hyperactive behavior. If a person with ADHD also experiences sleep apnea, the disorder can worsen; thus affecting the quality of one’s life.
- Accidents can occur – Since the mind cannot fully concentrate due to less restful sleep, accidents can occur. Studies have linked certain motor vehicular accidents with sleep apnea. Even if you think you are capable of driving, you should not underestimate the effects that sleep apnea can bring to your ability to concentrate.
Who Are at Risk of Having Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is often left untreated because it happens during sleep, often without your knowledge. We, at Dr. Clifford C. Compton’s dental practice, have therefore come up with a list of the risk factors for sleep apnea. You are at risk of having this disorder if the following conditions are present:
- If you are male, overweight, and over the age of 40
- If your family has a history sleep apnea
- If you have allergies or sinus problems; thus, making it difficult for you to breathe
- If you have a large neck, large tongue, and large tonsils, yet have a small jaw
- If you snore heavily during sleep
Talk with us about Sleep Apnea
Come and see Dr. Clifford C. Compton if you think you’re suffering from sleep apnea. He will help you get through this condition with the use of dental appliances and devices. The key is for you to inhale a sufficient amount of oxygen during sleep. Seek help today. Call our dental assistants to set your appointment at (704) 786-8825.
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