Although sleep apnea is often accompanied by snoring, it’s actually a serious medical condition that can have detrimental health and safety consequences when left untreated. If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea, arrange a consultation with our dentist in Kenilworth right away. Dr. Dani will coordinate your diagnosis and treatment so you get the care you need.
Sleep apnea is a condition which results in repeated pauses in breathing every night while you sleep. During a sleep apnea episode, the amount of oxygen that goes to your brain and other parts of your body is reduced. Because people who suffer from sleep apnea experience several such episodes every night, it can damage your health in numerous ways.
Accidents at Work and on the Road
Sleep apnea causes patients to wake up several times each night. This leaves them tired and irritable throughout the day. Not surprisingly, daytime fatigue increases your chances of suffering from dangerous accidents at work, at home, and while you’re on the road. In fact, people who suffer from sleep apnea are five times more likely to suffer from automobile accidents. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the annual cost of workplace accidents due to undiagnosed sleep apnea is 6.5 billion dollars. Undiagnosed sleep apnea is also responsible for 26.2 billion dollars in damage due to automobile accidents each year.
Cardiopulmonary Problems
Your cardiopulmonary system includes your heart, lungs, and related organs and tissue that work in unison to pump healthy, oxygenated blood throughout your body. Each time a sleep apnea sufferer wakes up during the night, it means the blood’s oxygen level has diminished substantially. This increases your likelihood of suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, and heart attacks. Almost half of patients with sleep apnea also suffer from high blood pressure.
Sleep apnea also disrupts the patient’s respiratory system, often exasperating pulmonary conditions including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Weight Gain and Diabetes
Obesity is a risk factor for sleep apnea, and having the condition also makes it more difficult for patients to manage their weight. Sleep apnea causes the body’s metabolism to slow down, and this makes it much more difficult for a patient to lose weight. In addition, sleep apnea also causes your system to release a chemical called ghrelin. This hormone creates cravings for foods that are high in carbohydrates, and this leads to weight gain. Unfortunately, weight gain is also linked to diabetes. People who suffer from sleep apnea are more likely to develop diabetes.
Your Sleep Apnea Dentist in Kenilworth
Dr. Miriam Dani has the training and expertise to help you get the right diagnosis for your sleep apnea. She works with doctors to make sure her patients get the sleep apnea treatment they need. Call our office today to arrange your consultation with Dr. Dani. Your health and safety could depend on it.