Sleep apnea is a common condition that affects more than 20 million Americans. The inability to breathe freely due to airway obstruction leads to frequent interruptions throughout the night, making it difficult for patients to achieve adequate rest. Without proper treatment, sleep apnea symptoms can worsen, affecting more than a person’s quality of sleep. Discover the consequences that can develop if sleep apnea remains untreated.
What Common Symptoms Occur with Sleep Apnea?
Patients suffering from sleep apnea can develop different symptoms, some of which include:
- Chronic, loud snoring
- Mood swings
- The inability to focus
- Dry mouth
- Unexplained fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Paused breathing that lasts 10+ seconds
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder (TMD)
What Consequences Can Form if Sleep Apnea Remains Untreated?
When chronic fatigue, loud snoring, and paused breathing remain unchecked, you may begin to notice the effects these symptoms have on your daily life and well-being, including:
- Drowsy driving – Chronic fatigue can cause you to fall asleep while driving, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Lack of productivity at work or school – When poor sleep quality occurs daily, it can manifest in a lack of productivity that can affect your work or school.
- Type 2 diabetes – When the body is unable to achieve adequate rest, it will not use insulin correctly, which can cause diabetes.
- Weight gain (obesity) – If fatty deposits form around the neck, it can inhibit proper airflow, which can worsen sleep apnea symptoms and make losing weight more difficult.
- Depression – Inadequate sleep can lead to depression and anxiety. These mental health disorders can make it harder to fall asleep and get ample rest to function each day.
- Heart disease – Heart attacks and strokes are more likely because the body is unable to take in proper oxygen.
- High blood pressure – The stress brought on by frequent nighttime interruptions and lower oxygen levels can elevate blood pressure.
What Kind of Treatment is Available?
Treating sleep apnea must start with undergoing a sleep study. After a doctor analyzes the collected data – brain, heart, and lung activity – they will determine if a formal diagnosis is necessary. If so, you can meet with your dentist to discuss available treatment options.
Many professionals still use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines; however, a custom oral appliance is now considered more manageable. The device shifts the lower jaw slightly while asleep to keep the airway open.
By seeking help from a trusted dentist who offers sleep apnea treatment, you can improve your airway function and maintain better overall health.
About the Author
Dr. Mitch Conditt is a sleep apnea and TMJ/TMD dentist in Fort Worth with more than 35 years of experience. After his own diagnosis in 2009, he became passionate about helping others achieve lasting relief. With custom oral appliances, he provides a safe, easy-to-use solution that helps others get better rest and breathe easier throughout the night. If you are concerned about your inability to sleep because of frequent interruptions, visit our website or call (817) 527-8500 to schedule a consultation.