Do you ever find yourself falling asleep at your desk – or even behind the wheel – due to a lack of quality sleep? You could be suffering from sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder that affects more than 18 million American adults. The effects of untreated sleep apnea go beyond feeling drowsy or irritable – people who suffer from sleep apnea are also at greater risk of experiencing a range of negative health impacts. Keep reading to learn about the dangers of not seeking sleep apnea treatment in Stephens City.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common disorder that repeatedly interrupts a person’s breathing while they are asleep, sometimes as often as hundreds of times in a single night. Sleep apnea disrupts the critical REM sleep cycle, wreaking havoc on a person’s nightly rest and contributing to a host of health problems.
There are two main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea, the more common form of the disorder, occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax and block air from entering or escaping.
- Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send signals that tell muscles in the throat and upper body to breathe.
Why Sleep Apnea is Dangerous
People who suffer from sleep apnea typically do not receive the recommended number of hours of sleep every night, and as a consequence, often find themselves feeling irritable or even nodding off at work or in the classroom.
In addition, sleep apnea has been linked to all of the following serious health problems:
- High blood pressure – Constantly waking up at night can increase bodily stress and boost blood pressure.
- Heart disease – Sleep apnea disrupts oxygen levels, which may increase the risk of a heart attack.
- Type 2 Diabetes – Not getting proper rest can also prevent the body from properly using insulin, which can lead to diabetes.
- Automobile accidents – Sleep deprivation can dramatically increase the risk of getting into a dangerous automobile accident.
How a Dentist in Stephens City Can Help
Sleep apnea treatment in Stephens City from a qualified dentist can help relieve negative symptoms and improve your quality of life.
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which utilizes a mask and air pump to maintain airflow through the throat during the night. Although effective, many people have trouble adjusting to sleeping with the device.
Fortunately, there is now an alternative to CPAP machine treatment: oral appliance therapy. When worn at night, a small, durable mouthpiece can make slight changes to a person’s jaw position that prevent the airway from being obstructed by mouth and throat tissue. The custom-made device is easy to use and can dramatically improve a person’s quality of sleep when worn consistently.
Don’t put your health at risk by continuing to lose sleep on a nightly basis due to sleep apnea. Talk to a local dentist today about how oral appliance therapy can deliver a good night’s rest and boost your quality of life.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas Gromling has over 40 years of experience providing oral care to Stephens City residents. An active member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Gromling offers sleep appliance therapy to patients suffering from sleep apnea. For more information on the sleep disorder, including symptoms and treatment options, visit Dr. Gromling’s website or call 540-869-4377.