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. If you have sleep apnea, it’s vital that you get the treatment you need so you can begin reversing the dangerous effects of the disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between sleep apnea and obesity?
About 70% of patients with obstructive sleep apnea are also obese. In adults, there is a strong correlation between excess weight and obstructive sleep apnea. For every increase in BMI, there is a 14% increased risk of developing sleep apnea. With an increase in weight, there’s an increase in OSA severity.
If you’re suffering from sleep apnea symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Dailey by calling (734) 249-6888. During your consultation, she’ll review your symptoms, examine your mouth and throat, and determine if you’ll benefit from a sleep study. Once diagnosed, we can begin treatment right away.
Is sleep apnea life-threatening?
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health consequences, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes. That’s why it’s crucial to seek treatment immediately after getting diagnosed with sleep apnea. Our dentists offer several effective treatments to tackle your sleep apnea and help you sleep soundly at night.
To learn about our treatment options, contact our Ann Arbor office at (734) 249-6888 or fill out the contact form and we’ll get back to you soon. Dr. Dailey will answer any questions or concerns you may have and help you choose the best solution for your unique condition.
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.