Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder affecting millions of Americans. Sleep apnea is marked by the symptom of snoring. Though obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is different than simple snoring. OSA happens when the soft tissues of your throat and mouth collapse upon your airway. It can cause a minor suffocation and a lack of oxygen to reach your bloodstream. This will cause you to gasp and wake up in the middle of the night several times. You may not remember the waking up, but it will be enough to disrupt your sleep cycle. Obstructive sleep apnea increases your risks for several dangerous health conditions.
Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Stroke
The constant disruptions to your blood oxygen flow can cause your brain to have difficulty regulating your bloodstream. This can cause changes to your arteries, heart, and even your brain. The consistent lack of oxygen may cause your body to pump harder to increase the oxygen in your blood. This high blood pressure can lead to strokes or heart attacks. Treatment for sleep apnea can be effective at lowering these risks. Some people are even able to cut down their blood pressure medication when they are treated for obstructive sleep apnea. Talk to your doctor before adjusting any medication.
Acid Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is common for people with sleep apnea. The flawed way that air moves in and out during sleep causes pressure changes that can suck the contents of their stomach back up into the esophagus. Both GERD and sleep apnea are related to being overweight; losing weight can help patients solve both issues.
Headaches, Mood Swings, Drowsiness
Even if you do not consciously wake up during episodes where obstructive sleep apnea wakes you up, your restful sleep cycle is disrupted. Without a restful sleep cycle, you will feel like you are running on very little sleep. You may experience drowsiness, headaches, or mood swings because of this lack of restful sleep.
Dr. Carmona can help treat obstructive sleep apnea
Treating obstructive sleep apnea can lower these 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.
