Addressing the Impact of Sleep Apnea on Your Health
Sleep apnea is a condition that goes beyond disrupting your sleep—it can harm your cardiovascular system, metabolism, and mental health. At our Denver dental practice, we specialize in treating sleep apnea and helping patients avoid the dangerous complications that come with untreated cases. Here’s why it’s crucial to seek treatment and how we can help you protect your health.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Heart and Circulatory System
Sleep apnea can have a profound impact on your cardiovascular health, significantly increasing the risk of heart-related complications:
- High Blood Pressure
- Irregular Heart Rhythm
- Heart Attacks or Stroke
When your airway is blocked during sleep, your brain signals your heart to pump harder to compensate for the oxygen loss. This causes high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and, in severe cases, heart failure. Over time, the extra strain on your heart and blood vessels can contribute to life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.
How Sleep Apnea Impacts Your Metabolism and Weight
Sleep apnea also disrupts your body’s metabolic processes, leading to several serious health risks:
- Weight Gain or Obesity
- Difficulty Losing Weight
- Type 2 Diabetes
- GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
Because sleep apnea interrupts your deep sleep cycles, your body struggles to regulate energy and hormones that control hunger and fat storage. This can cause weight gain and make losing weight more challenging, even with a proper diet and exercise. Additionally, sleep apnea interferes with your ability to regulate glucose, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. GERD is also common in people with sleep apnea, though the relationship between the two conditions is still being studied.
Sleep Apnea’s Effect on Your Brain and Mental Health
Sleep apnea can significantly impact your cognitive function and mood. Common risks include:
- Depression and Mood Disorders
- Memory Problems
- Lack of Focus and Drive
Due to the constant interruptions to your sleep, your brain doesn’t get the rest it needs, leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and even depression. People with untreated sleep apnea often experience cognitive difficulties, including memory problems and difficulty concentrating, which can increase the risk of accidents at work or on the road. Additionally, long-term untreated sleep apnea can contribute to early-onset dementia.
Dental Treatments for Sleep Apnea in Denver
At our dental practice, we offer several effective treatment options for sleep apnea, including non-invasive oral appliance therapy. Unlike the bulky CPAP machines, dental appliances are designed to reposition the jaw to keep your airway open while you sleep, providing a comfortable and effective solution for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
If you’re struggling with CPAP or prefer an alternative treatment, we offer personalized dental devices that can help manage sleep apnea and significantly improve your quality of life.
Protect Your Health and Seek Treatment Today
Sleep apnea can be dangerous, but with the right treatment, you can avoid its severe consequences. If you’re in Denver and are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea or are struggling with CPAP, call us today at (303) 691-0267 to schedule an appointment with Denver sleep apnea dentist Dr. Kevin Berry. Protect your health and get the restful sleep you deserve.
Self Screening: Do You Have Problems Sleeping?
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale
This self-administered test is used to determine your level of daytime sleepiness which can be caused by sleep apnea.
