SCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ, CA
Sleep apnea is a disorder that impedes breathing during sleep. It restricts airflow, often causing loud snoring, which sounds harmless. But unfortunately, untreated sleep apnea has some significant health consequences that can affect your life in different ways. Today on the blog, our sleep apnea dentists in Scotts Valley share six unexpected ways sleep apnea can ruin your life.
It makes you sleepy
One of the most common signs of sleep apnea is chronic fatigue. Feeling tired, even when you’ve spent enough hours in bed, is because the brain is constantly awakening during sleep, interrupting the REM sleep cycle. This occurs because sleep apnea restricts airflow, which alerts the brain to wake up slightly and signals the body to breathe normally again. As a result, sleep apnea suffers often are tired throughout the day with no other explanation.
It affects your mood
Many sleep apnea sufferers also experience mood swings. This could be due to the fact that they are always tired or experience frequent headaches, another common symptom of sleep apnea. Lack of oxygen and sleep loss can contribute to chronic headaches. You might find that you feel moody no matter the circumstance, even during times when you should be enjoying yourself.
It makes you less productive
There is no disputing the fact that if you’re feeling tired and moody, you’ll be less productive. This can be a problem, especially if you work or go to school.
It affects your memory
Feeling tired all of the time and getting insufficient sleep affects your memory. You may find it difficult to remember the small stuff, as well as important dates, project deadlines, or appointments. Some studies connect untreated sleep apnea with an increased risk of dementia.
It stresses your heart
Depriving your body of oxygen and sleep strains your heart, which could increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Even if you live a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy foods and exercising regularly, ignoring your sleep apnea could reverse your efforts.
It hinders your sex life
Sleep apnea also can have an impact on your libido, as well as your partner’s. If neither of you is getting restful sleep, then neither of you will feel in the mood. Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect the sufferer but your partner too because your snoring continually wakes them up and disrupts their sleep as well.
How can I get help for my sleep apnea?
If you have sleep apnea, treatment options are available, and you don’t have to settle for a noisy CPAP that keeps you and your partner awake. Sleep apnea treatment in Scotts Valley can be treated with oral appliance therapy, a specially made device that positions the lower jaw slightly forward to relieve the soft tissue blockage in the back of the throat and airway. Wear your oral appliance every night while sleeping and experience relief from your sleep apnea and reduce snoring. As you achieve better quality sleep night after night, you’ll eventually notice an improvement in your mood and health as well.
Sleep apnea treatment in Scotts Valley, Los Gatos, and Santa Cruz
If you would like to learn more about sleep apnea treatment or find out if oral appliance therapy is for you, contact Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry by calling (831) 438-4411 or visit our website today.
