Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the throat muscles relax and limit air passage during sleep. This can interfere with quality sleep and cause low oxygen levels. Many people think of sleep apnea as an annoyance because of its main symptom: snoring. However, sleep apnea can have serious life-threatening consequences. Here, Dr. Ivan Stein and Dr. Allan Stein at New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions discuss the ways that sleep apnea can jeopardize your health.
Increased Risk of Health Problems
As mentioned above, sleep apnea is more than just snoring. Sleep apnea is actually linked to a number of life-threatening conditions and other health problems including the following:
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cancer
- Mood disorders
- Sexual dysfunction
- Obesity
- Liver problems
Sleep apnea isn’t just linked to an increased risk of life-threatening conditions; it can actually increase the risk of premature death. A number of studies have suggested a link between untreated sleep apnea and an increased risk of death. A recent study by Penn State College of Medicine found that sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and all-cause sudden death.
Decreased Cognitive Functioning
Our brains need quality sleep to function properly. When sleep is repeatedly interrupted due to sleep apnea, that can impact cognitive functioning during the day. People with sleep apnea can have difficulty functioning at work or managing their home life due to being chronically tired. When a person suffers from sleep apnea, they often struggle with the following while they are awake:
- Regulating emotions
- Managing stress
- Making decisions
- Concentrating
- Memory
- Listening
- Problem solving
Increased Risk of Accidents
Quality sleep is necessary for people to function properly during the day. Sleep apnea has been linked to an increased risk of accidents, including accidents on the job and motor vehicle accidents. Drowsy driving is a serious problem and can occur due to untreated sleep apnea. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 6,000 fatal crashes each year may be caused by drowsy drivers. This creates a danger to everyone’s health and safety.
Contact The Full Breath Solution
Don’t continue to put your health at risk due to sleep apnea. Effective treatments are available. Our doctors at Full Breath Sleep Apnea Solutions are experts at treating sleep apnea.
To learn more about sleep apnea treatment from the Full Breath Solution dentist, please make an appointment with Dr. P. J. Nagjee by calling (310) 435-7939. We are here to help!
