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The science is clear: sleep is essential for our well-being. When we don't sleep enough hours or when our sleep isn't restful, then we start experiencing a wide variety of health problems, such as depression, a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and so on.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, then you may be looking for ways to understand how this condition affects your body and if there is any available treatment. At Myers + Co Family Dentistry, we offer sleep disorders treatment and focus on educating our patients about the effects of sleep apnea on the body.
Here's what you should know.
Sleep apnea is a condition that affects your sleep patterns, impacting the quality of your sleep. If you suffer from sleep apnea, then your breathing is constantly paused during the night, and your body wakes up to resume breathing.
Because of this constant sleep interruption, your mind and body do not get the rest they need to function properly.
The most obvious side effect of sleep apnea is tiredness, but if left untreated this condition can lead to more serious health issues.
If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, if you snore and gasp for air during the night, it is important to see a specialist that will diagnose and treat your condition. It's crucial to do so as sleep apnea can affect different parts of the body, such as:
Your body does not receive enough oxygen when you suffer from sleep apnea. This can take a toll on your respiratory system and lead to conditions such as asthma.
Not resting and sleeping properly makes the body more prone to developing insulin resistance. This can lead to type 2 diabetes as the blood sugar levels rise.
High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and other endocrine system-related problems can also occur as a consequence of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea can affect the liver and cause you to develop fatty liver disease.
Stomach and gastroesophageal reflux, as well as heartburn, can also be a consequence of sleep apnea.
High blood pressure and obesity are linked to sleep apnea as this condition has an impact on your heart's health. Heart rhythm can be affected by sleep apnea and your chances of suffering from a stroke can increase too.
Central sleep apnea is related to the nervous system as it's constantly disrupted when signaling to the brain that it's time to breathe. Sleep apnea can also lead to other neurological symptoms and conditions, such as:
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that has a direct impact on your health. If you suspect or know you have sleep apnea in Cary, NC, seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid the repercussions it can have on your overall health.
At Myers + Co Family Dentistry in Cary, we offer sleep disorder treatment as well as other dental services.
Contact us today and schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.
