The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is common but often goes under-diagnosed. This disorder, which is characterized by breathing pauses while you sleep, can seriously affect your physical and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, many individuals remain undiagnosed and untreated, unaware of the significant dangers associated with untreated sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that’s characterized by frequent interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, can occur numerous times throughout the night and result in a range of health issues. Hypoapneas are events when airflow is blocked and breathing becomes shallow.

Many people are not aware they stop breathing while they sleep; it is usually friends or family members who bring it to their attention. They may also only realize they have sleep apnea after seeking medical attention for their chronic fatigue.

The Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three types of sleep apnea:

1. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing a temporary blockage of the airway.
2. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less common, but it involves the brain failing to signal the muscles to breathe, which leads to pauses in breathing.
3. Complex or mixed sleep apnea is a combination of OSA and CSA.

The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is more than just having trouble resting throughout the night. Disturbed sleep can lead to some serious health issues, not to mention the toll of untreated sleep apnea, which can lead to death.

• Daytime fatigue and impaired cognitive function (difficulty concentrating, memory problems, impaired decision-making)
• Cardiovascular risks (hypertension, heart disease, and increased risk of stroke)
• Metabolic consequences (insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes weight gain)
• Mental health issues (depression and anxiety)
• Reduced quality of life (less energy levels take away from a person’s daily life, including their ability to socialize, exercise, and do activities they enjoy)

Treatment Options

The good news is that effective treatments are available for sleep apnea, ranging from lifestyle changes and positional therapy to medical devices and surgery. The appropriate treatment depends on the type and severity of sleep apnea.

At Nevada Dental Esthetics, Dr. Paez treats mild to moderate sleep apnea with an acrylic oral appliance. This appliance is worn while you sleep, and it’s an effective treatment option that keeps your tongue in a healthy position and also treats snoring. It’s reported as being comfortable to wear, and it’s a better alternative to using a noisy CPAP machine.

If you’re ready to get fitted for your sleep apnea device, contact Nevada Dental Esthetics, located in Las Vegas, NV, by calling 702-737-3553 or filling out our online contact form. We look forward to helping you.