Heavy snoring is a major symptom of sleep apnea. But unlike snoring, sleep apnea is a serious medical issue that will drastically impact your health when left untreated.
Sleep apnea causes or aggravates a number of significant medical problems, including:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Acid Reflux
- Weight gain
- Weakened immune system
- Memory loss
- Decreased sex drive
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Sleep apnea occurs when the patient stops breathing several times each night during sleep due to an obstruction that blocks the airway. This results in a severe reduction in the patient’s blood oxygen level.
One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is daytime fatigue and sleepiness. Additional signs that you or someone you care about is suffering from sleep apnea include anxiety, depression, impaired intellectual function, irritability, and waking up with a headache or sore throat.
If you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, call 734-249-6888 right away — Dr. Dailey will make sure you get the right diagnosis and treatment for your sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea and Your Cardiovascular System
By depriving your body of essential oxygen, sleep apnea damages various organs and tissue. It’s particularly detrimental to your cardiovascular system, which spreads oxygenated blood throughout your body.
Sleep apnea dramatically increases your risk for high blood pressure, strokes, and heart attacks. Donna Arnett, professor of epidemiology at the Alabama University School of Public Health says, “The evidence is very strong for the relationship between sleep apnea and hypertension and cardiovascular disease.”
Your Sleep Dentist in Ann Arbor
Dr. Regina Dailey is recognized as a Diplomate by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. This is the highest honor they can award to a sleep dentist.
To learn more about sleep apnea, give us a call today. Or, just fill out the submission form to arrange your consultation with Dr. Dailey.