We all feel better when we get a good, restful night’s sleep. Anything that disrupts your sleep—from a fire alarm in the middle of the night to jarring snoring—can keep you from getting a full restorative night’s sleep. Many patients with sleep apnea are suffering from constant fatigue, memory problems, and irritability due to poor quality sleep. These problems are obviously serious, and they become even scarier when we realize that over time these problems can compound and cause long-term health problems.
Sleep apnea can deprive the body of necessary oxygen. Some patients stop breathing for minutes at a time at night without even knowing it. Additionally, the increased stress and tension from sleep apnea can cause increased adrenaline levels. Consequently, sleep apnea may increase a patient’s risk for a variety of health problems in the future, including:
· Severe headaches
· Asthma and other respiratory problems
· Hypertension
· Heart disease
· Stroke
· Diabetes
· Weight gain
· Coronary artery disease
· Memory problems
Sleep apnea complications are caused by oxygen deprivation, chronically disturbed sleep, or a combination of these two factors. Our Saint Louis sleep apnea dentists are able to diagnose your sleep apnea dysfunction and tailor treatment to meet your needs and restore optimal nighttime breathing.
Sleep apnea is treatable, and the sooner you seek a sleep apnea solution the less likely it is that you’ll suffer form long-term complications. Our office offers simple, non-invasive sleep apnea solutions—like dental appliances—to treat your condition easily and comfortably. Give our Saint Louis sleep apnea dentists a call if you have any questions or you’d like to schedule and appointment—(314) 332-1307.