Have you noticed some of the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea in your own life? If so, it’s vital that you seek treatment for this condition as soon as possible. The truth is that sleep apnea isn’t just a nuisance, it can actually damage your overall health if it’s left untreated over time. Our O’Fallon sleep apnea dentists take sleep apnea treatment very seriously, and so should you! Here’s why…
Did you know that patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea are actually not getting enough oxygen as they sleep? When you airway becomes obstructed, your body isn’t able to inhale the oxygen it needs. Consequently, your blood oxygen levels dip—when your blood oxygen level becomes too low, your body restarts its breathing in order to get the oxygen it needs.
Obviously this is pretty serious stuff. Untreated sleep apnea can negatively affect your health in a few ways…
1. Diminished oxygen levels
Because the body isn’t able to maintain healthy blood oxygen levels as a sleep apnea patient sleeps, these patients are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular problems. Low blood oxygen levels strain your heart, and, over time, can irreversibly damage your cardiovascular system.
2. Disrupted sleep
Sleep apnea causes your body to wake itself up throughout the night in order to get the oxygen it needs. This disrupts your natural sleep cycle, and keeps you from getting the rest you need. Consequently, patients experience…
· Chronic fatigue
· Headaches
· Depression
· Mood swings
The good news is that there are sleep apnea treatments that can effectively correct these problems and help you stay healthy. If you notice sleep apnea problems, don’t hesitate to get the help you need. Call our O’Fallon sleep apnea dentists to learn more and get started on your way to a good night’s sleep!