Dear Reader,
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur multiple times throughout the night. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea syndrome.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type, where the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Complex sleep apnea syndrome, also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
The consequences of untreated sleep apnea can be severe and far-reaching. It significantly increases the risk of several health problems, including:
- Cardiovascular Issues: Sleep apnea is linked to hypertension (high blood pressure), coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart failure. The repeated drops in blood oxygen levels and increased heart rate associated with sleep apnea strain the cardiovascular system.
- Metabolic Disorders: Sleep apnea is associated with insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
- Neurological Problems: Chronic sleep deprivation due to sleep apnea can impair cognitive function, memory, and concentration. It’s also linked to an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Mental Health Disorders: Sleep apnea is associated with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Disrupted sleep patterns can exacerbate existing mental health conditions and contribute to emotional instability.
- Increased Accident Risk: Sleep apnea significantly raises the risk of motor vehicle accidents due to daytime drowsiness and impaired alertness.
Moreover, sleep apnea doesn’t just affect the individual suffering from it; it can also strain personal relationships. Loud snoring, choking, and gasping for air during sleep can disrupt the sleep of bed partners, leading to resentment, frustration, and even separate sleeping arrangements.
In terms of cognitive abilities, sleep apnea can have a profound impact. The interrupted sleep patterns prevent sufferers from experiencing restorative sleep cycles, leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and decreased cognitive performance. This can affect job performance, academic achievement, and overall quality of life.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s crucial to seek help. At Bowman Dental, we offer comprehensive treatment options in partnership with ProSumnus Sleep Technologies. ProSumnus specializes in custom oral appliances designed to treat sleep apnea by comfortably repositioning the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep.
These appliances are a noninvasive and effective alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. They offer relief from the symptoms of sleep apnea and improve overall sleep quality.
Don’t let sleep apnea compromise your health and well-being. Contact us at Bowman Dental to schedule a consultation and discuss how ProSumnus Sleep Technologies can help you regain restful sleep and improve your quality of life.
If you’re tired of feeling tired and ready to reclaim your sleep, call us at 603-756-4719. Let’s make sweet dreams a reality together!
