Chronic snoring isn’t the only complication of untreated obstructive sleep apnea. You can face potentially deadly complications. Uncontrolled sleep apnea is linked to a number of serious health problems that can cause an increased risk of sudden death. Here’s how sleep apnea therapy can extend your lifespan.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that causes frequent breathing disruptions while sleeping. An obstruction is created in the upper airway from the soft tissues or tongue collapsing as your body relaxes. Each event can last for a minute or more, with potentially hundreds of occurrences every night. Each event deprives your body of oxygen and interrupts your sleep cycle, which can have serious complications for your wellness.
Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
With no intervention, sleep apnea can wreak havoc on your physical and mental health. Here are just a few risks of delaying treatment:
- High Blood Pressure: Untreated OSA can contribute to worsening high blood pressure, which is attributed to low oxygen levels at night, hormonal changes, and nervous system complications. Hypertension is a leading cause of death worldwide.
- Diabetes: Sleep apnea can lead to insulin resistance, which affects the body’s ability to use blood sugar. Diabetes is the 8th leading cause of death in the United States.
- Pulmonary Hypertension: Breathing disturbances can alter the structures of the blood vessels in the lungs, which can cause pulmonary hypertension. This causes the blood pressure in the arteries between the heart and lungs to be too high.
- Stroke: Unmanaged sleep apnea causes issues that increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and changes in brain health. 1 in 21 deaths in the United States are caused by strokes.
- Abnormal Heart Rhythms: Heart arrhythmias can be caused by low oxygen levels, which are a common cause of sudden death in sleep apnea patients.
- Sleep Deprivation: Breathing disruptions can lead to sleep deprivation by interrupting the sleep cycle. Studies indicate a 123% higher risk of auto accidents from drowsy driving caused by OSA.
Options to Treat Sleep Apnea
You have multiple options to treat sleep apnea. Your sleep specialist will determine which solution is right for you, which may include:
- CPAP: A CPAP is a machine that delivers gentle air pressure through masking worn over the mouth or nose to prevent breathing disruptions.
- Oral Appliance: An oral appliance is a custom-fit device that trains your jaw and tongue to rest in more comfortable positions to prevent airway obstructions.
You can invest in a good night’s sleep and boost your general health by complying with your treatment plan. You will sleep peacefully and feel your best with sleep apnea therapy.
About Dr. Gabriel A. Nossa
Dr. Nossa achieved his dental degree at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has continued his training in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and sleep medicine. He offers the latest solutions to treat sleep apnea. He provides custom-fit oral appliances for snoring and sleep apnea. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (352) 745-3765.