What Are The Signs Of Sleep Apnea?

By Sheri Salartash, DDS, MAGD, NMD, IBDM, FIAOMT, FAAO, FIAO, FICOI

Dynamic Dental Wellness

. https://dynamicdentalwellness.com/

More Dental Health Articles

What Are The Signs Of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is serious sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing is interrupted while asleep. People with undiagnosed sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly while sleeping, sometimes hundreds of times. This is a dangerous condition because the body and brain do not get adequate oxygen supply.

Some of the signs of sleep apnea include: waking up with a headache, high blood pressure, snoring, awaking gasping for air, severely worn teeth, acid reflux, clenching and grinding teeth.

Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem. If left untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk for heart failure and stroke. The ongoing state of fatigue caused by sleep apnea may lead to problems at school or work as well as danger when driving or operating heavy machinery. Sleep apnea can also cause complications with medications or surgery.

Why Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?

Sleep apnea puts a lot of stress on your body, mainly your heart. Your blood oxygen levels start to drop because you stop breathing so much. This results in high blood pressure and increases your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. 

If you already have heart problems, sleep apnea can make your condition much worse. If an already strained heart experiences multiple episodes of low blood oxygen, it can lead to heart arrhythmias.

Other Complications Include:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• Post-surgery complications
• Liver problems
• Daytime fatigue

What Are The Latest Treatments Options For Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

• Positive airway pressure therapy and CPAP
• Oral appliances and myofunctional therapy
• Surgery
• Behavioral treatments