If you’ve been told you snore loudly at night, then there’s a chance you could be suffering from sleep apnea in Columbus. Is it important to have it treated, though? A local dentist says it definitely is, because ignoring the condition could lead to some serious problems. Learn about them and what can be done to treat sleep apnea as you continue reading.
What is Sleep Apnea?
The term ‘sleep apnea’ refers to frequent lapses in breathing throughout the night. Each time it happens, the brain sends a distress signal that causes the person to awaken. Because this can occur hundreds of times throughout a typical sleep cycle, the person is left feeling lethargic the next day and devoid of the normal benefits of an adequate night of rest.
The Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The first step to recovering from sleep apnea is to recognize the warning signs, which can include the following:
- Headaches
- Lost libido
- Weight gain
- Bed-wetting
- Mood swings
- Bouts of depression
- Morning throat soreness
It’s important not to ignore any of these symptoms because there can be some life-threatening implications.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Warning Signs
One of the reasons sleep apnea is of the utmost importance to treat is that it hinders the normal rest process. This can have a huge impact on your overall health, especially your immune system, which is recharged every night when you receive proper sleep.
If the normal cycle is interrupted, then your body’s circadian rhythm is also negatively impacted, which is its natural way of balancing your hormone secretion. Here are some of the problems that can arise from ignoring sleep apnea:
- Stroke
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Heart failure
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
How Can Sleep Apnea be Treated?
The most well-known method of treating sleep apnea is with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which consists of a base unit, tube and mask. While it is an effective way of treating the condition, many people aren’t fond of the sound it makes or its more cumbersome nature.
An alternative is an oral appliance, which is a small, silent and comfortable way to slightly adjust the position of your jaw to allow for better airflow.
When you visit your local sleep dentist, you can learn more about the options for treating sleep apnea, so you can get the rest your body and mind desperately need. Then, you can return to living a normal life.
About the Author
Dr. Eric Buck earned his dental degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He has since gone on to provide comprehensive and compassionate dental care. To further broaden his skill set, Dr. Buck maintains professional affiliation with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and he treats sleep apnea at The Columbus Sleep Center. He can be reached for more information through his website.