Untreated Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea treatment is very effective, but most people with the condition don’t know they have it or they avoid treatment. But treating sleep apnea is vital. People with sleep apnea may be up to six times more likely to die an early death. That’s because sleep apnea can dramatically impact your health in many ways, causing:
- Cardiovascular damage
- Metabolic disruption
- Cognitive and mood disorders
Fortunately, because sleep apnea causes all these conditions, treating sleep apnea can improve them all as well.
Cardiovascular Problems Related to Sleep Apnea
When your air supply gets cut off, your brain seeks to restore its supply of oxygen. It does this partly by awakening to reopen the airway, but it also tells your heart to pump harder and faster. This can increase your blood pressure and may cause other forms of cardiovascular illness. Cardiovascular death is the most common cause of death linked to sleep apnea.
People with sleep apnea are at an elevated risk for these cardiovascular illnesses:
- Coronary artery disease
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Hypertension
Metabolic Disruption Related to Sleep Apnea
Sleep is vital for the regulation of your body’s metabolism. When your sleep is disrupted, your metabolism can be, too. As a result, if you have sleep apnea, you might experience:
- Weight gain
- Difficulty losing weight
- Diabetes
Weight gain can be particularly difficult to deal with because obesity contributes to your sleep apnea risk. But it can be hard to lose or even maintain your weight if you have sleep apnea.
Cognitive and Mood Disorders
Your brain relies on regenerative sleep perhaps more than any other organ in the body. When your sleep is disrupted, you might experience consequences like:
- Memory problems and early onset dementia
- Difficulty focusing (or staying awake)
- Depression and other mood disorders
These can put you and others at risk. People with sleep apnea have an elevated risk of dangerous or deadly car accidents. They can be violent, and may harm others or themselves.
Treating Sleep Apnea
Dr. Marzban offers customized dental appliances that can help keep airways open and allow for a full and restful night’s sleep. She may also recommend lifestyle changes to enhance treatment and help ensure lasting relief. What is best in your situation will be discussed in greater detail during your sleep apnea treatment consultation.
To schedule your sleep apnea treatment consultation, please contact our experienced Fairfax dentist today. Dr. Marzban utilizes WatchPAT™ for in-home sleep apnea diagnosis for patients living in Fairfax, Burke, and nearby areas of Virginia.
