If you always feel tired, it may be because you are waking up throughout the night and don’t even realize it. You may have a medical issue, such as sleep apnea.
It is estimated that 18 million Americans have sleep apnea, which is a condition that causes your breathing to stop and start throughout the night. The pauses in breathing can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes and may happen as many as 90 times per hour. Sleep apnea can occur when the airway is obstructed by muscles in the back of the throat that are flaccid. A tongue that is too large or a jaw that is too small can also cause sleep apnea. In addition, some people snore, which makes the situation even worse.
You may not know that you even have sleep apnea unless your dentist mentions it. Sleep apnea is often triggered by teeth grinding. When you tense your jaw and grind your teeth, it sends a message to your brain to wake up so you can take a breath. This can lead you to feel fatigued throughout the day.
That’s why treating sleep apnea is a good idea. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines can be helpful. If having a mask over your face is too obtrusive for you, though, there are dental devices that can help. Surgery comes with more risks but has been effective for many sleep apnea sufferers. Read on to learn more about the benefits of treatment.
Why You Should Treat Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is not something you should ignore. It can lead to blood pressure and various cardiovascular conditions, as the lack of oxygen puts a lot of stress on the heart. Here are some reasons to treat sleep apnea:
- Deeper, more refreshed sleep. You need deep sleep to feel refreshed. You don’t sleep deeply if you are constantly waking up. Treating sleep apnea can help you feel more energized.
- Healthier body. Those who treat their sleep apnea see their risk of stroke and hypertension drop due to fewer sleep disturbances.
- Reduced risk of depression. The more sleep a person gets, the more their risk of depression drops.
- Decreased risk of mortality. Sleep helps you live longer. Those with sleep apnea experience sleep disturbances, which can make them three times more likely to die.
- Lower risk of cancer. Studies show that those with obstructive sleep apnea have a higher rate of developing certain cancers, such as breast, lung, colorectal, and prostate. Men are especially affected.
Contact Us Today
If your dentist thinks you may have sleep apnea, take it seriously. Treating it could improve your health and even save your life.
Suncreek Dental Group can treat your sleep apnea with dental devices and surgery. Let us assess your situation and help you understand your options. Schedule an appointment with Suncreek Dental Group by calling (303) 933-2522.
Category: Sleep Apnea
Tags: Sleep Apnea, Treatment Benefits