What Happens If Sleep Apnea Is Left Untreated?
Sleep is an important part of human life. It allows the body and mind to rest and recover from the pressure of daily life. Sleep apnea is a common serious sleep disorder that stops the breathing of an individual for a short time. This happens repeatedly during sleep. When you go through the sleep apnea statistics, you will know why plenty of individuals are missing high-quality sleep and why sleep apnea treatment is essential.
What Occurs If Sleep Apnea is Not Treated?
As you know, sleep apnea causes trouble while sleeping. Whenever left untreated, it can lead to serious health consequences. Did you know nearly 25 million adults in the United States are struggling with OSA?
A few of the complications related to sleep apnea include:
- High Blood Pressure
There is an increase in blood oxygen levels in people who suffer from the ill effect of sleep apnea, which further enhances the risk of cardiovascular disorders. For example, having obstructive sleep apnea is regarded as a risk factor for many diseases. It can cause hypertension and heart diseases.
- Stroke
The main disadvantage of untreated sleep apnea is stroke. When the blood supply to some portion of your cerebrum is hindered or seriously diminished, your mind tissue refuses oxygen and nutrients intake.
In a couple of moments, brain cells start to pass on. Due to the damage and stress to your veins, they cause pulse and oxygen changes. This increases your risk of stroke.
- Diabetes
Sleep apnea also puts you at the risk of developing insulin resistance, which boosts your chances of having type-2 diabetes. This is because sleep apnea and diabetes both share common hazards – advancing age, obesity.
- Liver Problems
If you experience sleep apnea and have not been treated yet, you will probably face liver issues. It can include nonalcoholic fatty liver infection, excess fat in the liver, or others.
- Surgical Complications
Suffering from obstructive sleep apnea is a great concern amongst many people because the patients need to take specific medications and general sedation. People with the issue will usually have complications after undergoing surgery. For example, they have breathing troubles, especially when they rest on their backs.
If the dentist sleep apnea near you suggests going through significant medical procedures. This means the expert realizes that you experience the ill effects of sleep apnea and are taking the necessary steps to treat the issue.
- Depression
The relationship between sleep and depression is complicated. It has been shown that depression may cause sleep issues and sleep issues may cause or contribute to depression.
For certain people, depression symptoms occur before the beginning of sleep complications. But for others, sleep issues show up first. Either way, sleep problems are related to more extreme depression.
- Fatigue
Having sleep apnea makes it hard for an individual to get a good night’s rest because the disorder causes continued breathing trouble while you are sleeping.
And due to the absence of a good night’s sleep, people with sleep apnea are usually exhausted during the day and sometimes, irritable. Those with sleep apnea also fall asleep while driving and may experience accidents.
- Acid Reflux
There’s insufficient proof that sleep apnea causes acid reflux (heartburn). However, many individuals say it’s true. Therefore, treating acid reflux further develops apnea symptoms for certain individuals, and treating OSA helps to combat the symptoms of reflux.
Can Sleep Apnea be Prevented or Avoided?
There are many things you can do to prevent sleep apnea. The steps that can help you include:
- Stop the use of liquor or sleep medicines. These relax the muscles toward the rear of your throat, making it difficult for you to breathe.
- If you smoke, quit smoking.
- Lose some weight if case you are overweight.
- Sleep on the side.
Take Advantage of Sleep Apnea Dentistry Near You Today
Untreated sleep apnea can cause a wide assortment of health issues. If you or someone close to you is facing sleep apnea symptoms, schedule a quick online appointment with an orthodontist in Houston at Greater Houston Dental Arts to get a suitable treatment. The expert can help you reduce complications and improve your personal relationships in no time.