Beyond Snoring: The Bigger Issues of Sleep Apnea

No one likes to sleep with a bed partner who snores. If the snoring is loud enough, one partner might even end up relocating to the sofa. As annoying as snoring is, however, it is often a symptom of a much more serious problem: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). With OSA, the soft tissues in the mouth or throat obstruct the airway, leading to breathing problems that disrupt the sleep cycle. Those disruptions, in turn, can cause or worsen some major health problems. Let’s discuss how OSA can wreck your health and what you can do to protect your well-being.

High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease

The poor quality sleep that sleep apnea causes places extra stress on your mind and body. That extra stress can lead your body to produce higher levels of stress hormones, which may drive your blood pressure up.

There is also evidence to suggest that OSA can lead to heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, various studies have established that individuals with OSA have a greatly increased risk of suffering from a heart attack compared to individuals who are free of sleep disorders.

Diabetes and Obesity

It is common knowledge that obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. However, many people do not realize that OSA has been connected to both of these conditions. Poor quality sleep can influence the hormones that control appetite, causing you to overeat. It can also rob of you of the energy you need to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Such issues may make it more difficult for you to control diabetes if you already have it. OSA might even lead to diabetes because it influences the body’s ability to properly use insulin.

Safety Risks

One study found that individuals with untreated sleep apnea were 2.5 times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident than individuals in the study’s control group. Because OSA makes it difficult if not impossible to get a full night of high-quality rest, it leads to daytime fatigue and slowed reaction times — both of which can hinder your ability to drive safely.

Treating Sleep Apnea

As dangerous as sleep apnea is, it is also highly treatable. Many individuals use a CPAP machine, which keeps the airway open by gently forcing air into at night. Others find relief with a custom-made oral sleep appliance. These devices, made by dentists who understand the complexities of OSA, reposition the jaw at night in order to allow freer airflow.

Does your partner complain about your snoring? Talk to your doctor about the possibility that you have OSA. Getting treatment will do more than make your significant other happier; it could save your life!

About the Author

Dr. Steven Stec is a Nebraska native with decades of experience in dentistry. He routinely pursues continuing education that keeps him up to date on the latest developments in his field. He and the rest of our team are able to help patients find relief from OSA via oral appliance therapy. To learn more about how we can help you rest easier, contact us today at 308-382-4440.