Sleep apnea occurs when you stop breathing for short periods of time in your sleep. This can result from tissue blocking your airway or your brain not controlling your breathing. Regardless of which type of sleep apnea you have, if you leave the condition untreated, it could lead to serious health problems that could be dangerous. Therefore, it’s crucial to see a doctor right away to find the solution that works for you so that you can get back to your life and get high-quality sleep.
The most common solution for sleep apnea is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. However, this does not always work for everyone. If this is the case for you, our trusted professionals at Rockland Dental Specialists can work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. We always prioritize your health and safety while utilizing the latest technology and methodologies. Our experienced team takes every measure to make you feel comfortable before, during, and after your sleep apnea treatment so you never feel alone and fully understand your condition.
5 Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
According to the American Medical Association, about 30 million Americans deal with sleep apnea, but only six million get diagnosed. Unfortunately, when sleep apnea is left untreated, it could potentially lead to serious health problems, including the following:
Cardiac Problems
Because sleep apnea can occur due to airway blockage, it can cause low oxygen levels in the body. This can lead to increased blood pressure, heart rate, inflammation, and stress. In this way, sleep apnea can exacerbate heart issues and lead to an increased risk of a stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.
Diabetes
Sleep apnea can cause you to get poor sleep and wake up several times a night, which can result in sleep deprivation. This may inhibit your body’s ability to regulate your blood sugar levels and increase the amount of carbon monoxide in your blood. These effects could cause increased insulin resistance and diabetes.
Daytime Tiredness
If you are not receiving treatment for sleep apnea, you may experience daytime sleepiness, which could affect your decision-making and ability to focus. This lack of restorative sleep can make you feel drained and leave you with little energy to take on your daily tasks.
Poor Quality of Life
Untreated sleep apnea can affect many aspects of your life due to chronic sleep deprivation. You may experience frequent mood changes, trouble completing routine tasks, and memory problems. Even if you get the recommended eight hours of sleep, sleep apnea decreases your sleep quality, which can have negative effects.
Depression
When sleep apnea goes undiagnosed and untreated, you may experience symptoms of depression, like decreased appetite, a constant feeling of sadness, little energy, and trouble concentrating. Depression can also cause poor sleep, worsening your sleep apnea. Treating sleep apnea may improve your mood and help you get back to your life.
Speak With a High-Quality Professional at Rockland Dental Specialists in New City, NY About Your Sleep Apnea Treatment
A good night’s sleep is essential to maintaining good health and having lasting energy throughout the day. If you experience symptoms of sleep apnea and do not get high-quality sleep, you should seek treatment as soon as you can because this condition could lead to other health concerns. Our compassionate team at Rockland Dental Specialists understands the hardships and frustrations sleep apnea can cause, so we will provide the unmatched, personalized care you can trust.
When treating sleep apnea, we often use oral appliances like mandibular advancement devices to correct the jaw position and keep your airway open during sleep. This is an effective alternative to CPAP machines as it is less noisy and easier to travel with. With our state-of-the-art technology and solutions, you can rest assured you are in the right hands for your sleep apnea treatment. To schedule a consultation, fill out our contact form or call (845) 400-9205.
