Do I Really Need to Treat Sleep Apnea?

Millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea, a disorder that seriously harms a person’s quality of sleep. People who have sleep apnea stop breathing for seconds or even minutes at a time, which can happen as many as 30 times every hour. If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea, make an appointment at your dentist’s office in Renton, WA, to have the condition diagnosed. If you do suffer from sleep apnea, your dentist will recommend a treatment that is appropriate for your needs. You may be wondering, however, how important it is to treat sleep apnea. Here are some things everybody should know about this condition.

Sleep apnea can result in chronic fatigue. When you aren’t getting adequate rest at night, it will take a toll on you during the daytime. People with sleep apnea may feel drowsy or distracted while they’re trying to work or socialize with friends. Having untreated sleep apnea can also make it dangerous to drive—fatigued drivers are much more likely to become involved in accidents.

Sleep apnea can worsen your overall health. Sleep apnea doesn’t just harm your quality of sleep—it can have other consequences for your health. Having sleep apnea can raise your blood pressure, and it may even raise your risk of heart attacks. If you have diabetes, having sleep apnea can make it more difficult to control. Sleep apnea has also been linked to other health issues such as acid reflux.

Sleep apnea can make it hard to lose weight. Being overweight can make you more likely to develop breathing problems such as sleep apnea. By the same token, having sleep apnea makes you fatigued—hence less likely to get the exercise you need to prevent weight gain. Getting professional treatment for your sleep apnea can help you get your nightly rest so you can stay active and healthy.