Obstructive sleep apnea is a very common sleep disorder that affects millions of people in America. The most common symptom is snoring. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may seem like the biggest problem is snoring, but the effects on your body can be quite dangerous. If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, it could increase your risk of developing several dangerous health conditions. Sleep apnea can lead to a higher risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, chronic headaches, mood swings, diabetes, drowsiness, weight gain, acid reflux, and more. Your dentist can help you treat sleep apnea, which can help to lower your risk of developing these issues.
What Is It?
Obstructive sleep apnea is the chronic occurrence of the soft tissues of your mouth and throat collapsing into and blocking your airway. The blockage of your airway will send a signal to your brain that you are suffocating. Your brain will then cause your body to gasp for air in an effort to get oxygen into your blood and stop the suffocation. If your snoring is paired with frequent gasps for air, you may have OSA. While you may not remember your brain waking your body up, you will likely feel the effects of not getting a restful night’s sleep.
How Does It Cause Problems?
Constant disruptions in the amount of oxygen that your blood receives can cause problems with regulating your bloodstream. Your body may begin to overcompensate by causing your heart to pump harder to increase the oxygen in your blood to make up for the consistent lack of oxygen. This overcompensation can lead to high blood pressure, which can lead to strokes or heart attacks. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common for people with sleep apnea because OSA causes air to move in and out during sleep that can cause irregular pressure changes. Pressure changes suck the contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus, which leads to GERD. Drowsiness from a lack of restful sleep can can lead to mood swings, weight gain, or headaches.
Dr. Carmona can help treat sleep apnea
Treating OSA can decrease your health risks. To schedule a consultation with Austin Prosthodontics in Austin, TX, call 512-250-9444. We also proudly welcome patients from Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Leander, and all surrounding Texas communities.
