Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to one’s health. Believe it or not, sleep is actually as important as eating and exercising. Unfortunately, there are several factors that can cause a person not to get enough sleep—one is the disorder referred to as sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious condition that causes a person to stop and start breathing during sleep repeatedly. These interruptions can take place hundreds of times. The problem arises since its occurrence means that the brain and the rest of the body may not get enough oxygen. Aside from this fact, we at CedarNorth Dental prepared a list of reasons why people should have their sleep apnea diagnosed and treated. Continue reading below.
Consider its long-term effects
According to studies, untreated sleep apnea is linked to general health problems. For example, the condition causes the blood pressure to increase at night since the brain makes sure to get oxygen-rich blood cells to its various systems. Breathing interruptions cause the brain to kick it up a notch by constricting the blood vessels to keep things running.
Leaving sleep apnea untreated increases a person’s blood pressure and their chance of developing heart failure, heart disease, and arrhythmias. Another study also shows that people with moderate to severe sleep apnea are nearly four times more likely to have a stroke, four times more likely to die, 2.5 times more likely to develop cancer, and three times more likely to die from cancer.
We at CedarNorth Dental highly encourage patients to seek sleep apnea treatments since having it affects not only the health but also their life.
Feel more awake during the day
The deep stages of sleep allow the brain to store memories, improve cognitive functions, and repair the rest of the body. But since sleep apnea distracts the brain’s capacity by disrupting airflow, the organ fails in performing its nightly work; as a result, a person tends to feel that they did not get enough rest at night.
By having sleep apnea treated, the brain will get to perform its job without any interruptions. Due to this, a person’s mind and body get the rest they need allowing them to feel more alert and awake the next day.
Avoid complications with surgery and medications
Patients who have undiagnosed sleep apnea are putting themselves at risk when taking certain medications or undergoing surgeries with general anesthesia. Medicine like narcotic analgesics, sedation, and general anesthesia can make the upper airway relax—causing sleep apnea symptoms to become worse.
If a friend or loved one pointed out a sign of having sleep apnea, it is best to take immediate action! Don’t let the sleep disorder affect your life; seek solutions by taking advantage of our Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment in Fresno, CA! Call or visit us at CedarNorth Dental to get started.