Snoring… it is so much more than just a nuisance.
Do you or someone you know and love snore? Do you ever feel exhausted and unable to concentrate? You may be suffering from a common disorder called sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that causes pauses in breathing during sleep, dangerously reducing the levels of oxygen supplied throughout your body. The pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to minutes, and they may occur many times throughout the night. Many people who suffer from sleep apnea don’t know they have it, because it only occurs during sleep. It is a dangerous disorder that often goes undiagnosed. During the episodes, the oxygen deprivation is extremely detrimental and may lead to serious health problems.
What are some symptoms of sleep apnea?
- Snoring
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Depression, irritability, or mood swings
- Memory loss
- Inability to concentrate
- Headaches
- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)
Why is sleep apnea dangerous?
If untreated, sleep apnea may lead to many serious health complications, including but not limited to:
- Heart attacks
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Congestive heart failure
- Accidents due to sleep deprivation
There are several risk factors that have been linked to sleep apnea. Some common ones include obesity or excess weight, high blood pressure, family history, and aging. If you suffer from any of the following symptoms listed above, see your physician as soon as possible so you can get properly evaluated.
Next week we will address the topic of sleep disorders in children. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at Reafield Dental – 980.500.3999 – we look forward to hearing from you!
Drs. Leon and Olya Banchik
Reafield Dental
