The Complications of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious condition characterized by breathing which repeatedly stops and starts again throughout the night. Many people who suffer from sleep apnea are unaware of the problem since it happens while sleeping. For many people, it goes undiscovered until a partner mentions loud snoring or sounds of breathing complications. In many cases, sleep apnea is caused by an obstructed airway or misalignment of the jaw. This is why a dentist or orthodontist often treats that sleep apnea. Many people have found sleep apnea devices in Renton to be effective in the treatment of sleep apnea. When untreated, sleep apnea can cause many complications. To learn more about these complications, continue reading.

Fatigue

One of the biggest side effects of sleep apnea is daytime fatigue. Even if you don’t notice, sleep apnea is preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep. This will result in feelings of drowsiness and daytime fatigue. If you notice that you constantly are feeling tired, even after a full night of sleep, you should talk to a health care professional about sleep apnea.

Heart Health

Sleep apnea can be detrimental to your cardiovascular system. Sleep apnea can raise blood pressure, which comes with a number of health complications. Since your breathing is actually stopping and starting again, your body is restricting the amount of oxygen that is in your bloodstream. With lower blood oxygen levels, your blood pressure increases, putting excess strain on your system.

Other Medical Complications

In addition to your heart health, sleep apnea can have negative effects on other areas of your health. Sleep apnea can raise your chances of type 2 diabetes, liver problems, and metabolic syndrome. Not only that, but sleep apnea can pose risks for undergoing general anesthesia. This puts you at risk for complications when undergoing treatment for other health issues or procedures. To ensure that you are in overall good health, it is important to seek sleep apnea treatment from a dentist and explore options with sleep apnea mouthpieces and other devices.