Sleep apnea is the cessation of breathing for more than 10 seconds while you are asleep. Most people who suffer from sleep apnea experience several episodes per night. Beyond just the regular tiredness and snoring associated with sleep apnea, sleep apnea can have serious side effects.
Due to the lack of sleep, since sleep apnea sufferers generally wake a few times per hour without knowing, patients may experience depression, irritability, and anxiety. They often combat these symptoms with pharmaceutical drugs, but it does not treat the root of the problem: sleep apnea. Addressing your sleep apnea can improve your mood and undo the negative effects lack of sleep was having on your personality.
A lack of sleep can also cause patients to lose concentration and gain weight. Your performance at work or at home can be negatively affected by your body's inability to sleep through the night. Weight gain is also commonly associated with inadequate sleep due to an increased appetite.
Sleep apnea has been linked with more serious side effects such as heart complications. The lack of oxygen to the brain is dangerous and can cause the body to function improperly.
Sleep apnea is dangerous, but you do not have to suffer with CPAP to help you sleep through the night. Let one of our dentists at I Hate CPAP! help you sleep soundly tonight by contacting them today. We serve patients all over the U.S.