Getting a good night’s sleep can help you live a longer, healthier life. But if you have untreated sleep apnea, you could be cutting it short. You see, recent studies have shown that not only does sleep apnea disrupt your rest, but it also can take years off your life by worsening or causing a variety of serious illnesses. Here’s more about how this disorder can wreak havoc on your body, and how getting treatment can help you live a longer, healthier life!
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that causes repeated breathing interruptions throughout the night. This can cause you to wake up repeatedly while you struggle to get air, causing dangerous drops in your blood oxygen levels. In turn, this can create a variety of dangerous side effects, including high blood pressure, cognitive impairment, depression, and the worsening of a variety of serious medical conditions.
What Conditions Can Sleep Apnea Affect?
In addition to the damaging effects sleep apnea can have on the body, it can also make many existing (comorbid) conditions worse. Things like diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke can all be negatively affected by the body’s lack of rest and inability to breathe properly, thereby risking the longevity of the untreated person’s life.
How to Protect Yourself Against the Dangers of Sleep Apnea
The good news is that many of the side effects and dangers of sleep apnea can be drastically reduced with treatment. In many cases, patients find success with oral appliance therapy. This method uses a comfortable, custom-made orthotic device that carefully repositions the jaw and tongue to keep your airway clear while you sleep. This is often preferable to traditional treatments like CPAP, which can be loud, awkward, and uncomfortable.
If you find yourself unable to sleep at night, wake frequently, already have a sleep apnea diagnosis, or if you suspect you could be experiencing this condition, please reach out to your dentist to discuss your treatment options. Not only will a good night’s rest help you feel better daily, but it can also help protect you from a variety of serious conditions and help you live a longer, healthier life.
About Dr. Modarres
Dr. Shahram Modarres earned his dental doctorate at the New York University School of Dentistry, and following graduation took a keen interest in sleep dentistry. Today, he is a proud member of a variety of prestigious professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Maryland State Dental Association, and the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, just to name a few. To schedule an appointment for sleep apnea treatment, visit our website or call 301-816-9400.