Sleep apnea is a widespread disorder affecting millions globally, with an estimated 90% of cases going undiagnosed. Many individuals may dismiss snoring as a mere nuisance, but it can be a significant indicator of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a potentially life-threatening condition that requires medical attention. The term “apnea,” derived from Greek, means “without breath”. In individuals with sleep apnea, the soft tissues in the throat, including the tongue, relax during sleep, causing a collapse that obstructs the airway. This obstruction disrupts the body’s ability to properly intake oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. During an apnea episode, breathing ceases, and a common sign of sleep apnea, besides snoring, is gasping for air during sleep.

The Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea

The dangers of untreated sleep apnea are far-reaching, impacting various aspects of one’s health. It’s essential to understand these risks to underscore the importance of early detection and treatment.

  • Cardiovascular Complications: Sleep apnea is strongly linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension. The repeated episodes of oxygen deprivation during sleep place significant stress on the cardiovascular system. This leads to elevated blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for both stroke and heart attacks. The connection between sleep apnea, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease is well-established, making it critical to seek treatment.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: A significant correlation exists between Type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes often suffer from sleep apnea, and both conditions share complications like high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Treating sleep apnea can positively impact and potentially resolve other diabetic complications.
  • Obesity: Obesity is both a contributing factor and a consequence of sleep apnea. Excess weight increases the risk of sleep apnea, while weight loss can help in its treatment. Obese individuals may experience shallow or infrequent breathing, leading to decreased oxygen and increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This can cause the person to stop breathing for short periods, putting the heart under considerable strain.
  • Additional Health Risks: Beyond the above, untreated sleep apnea is linked to daytime fatigue, depression, weight gain, and a higher risk of car accidents. Recent studies even suggest a potential link between sleep apnea and certain cancers, including brain cancer. The disruption of normal breathing patterns affects the body’s ability to oxygenate itself properly and purge carbon dioxide.

Recognizing the Symptoms

It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea to seek timely intervention. If you notice any of these signs, consult a professional:

  • Loud and Persistent Snoring: This is a common symptom of sleep apnea, resulting from the obstructed airway.
  • Gasping for Air During Sleep: This indicates that the body is struggling to breathe properly due to the obstruction in the airway.
  • Daytime Fatigue: Disrupted sleep leads to excessive daytime sleepiness, regardless of the amount of time spent in bed.

Seeking Professional Help

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s important to seek help from a professional. Novi Oaks Dental Sleep & TMJ is dedicated to providing non-invasive solutions for sleep disorders. Dr. Anjoo Ely is a highly qualified professional in the field of dental sleep medicine. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and is on staff with the St. John Providence Health System. Dr. Ely is also on the Education Committee with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and a Board Member of the Michigan Academy of Sleep. She lectures nationally, educating other dentists on treating sleep apnea with dental oral appliances. Her approach to treatment includes listening to patients and performing thorough examinations before discussing diagnosis and treatment options.

Treatment Options Available

These are two of the popular treatment options for sleep apnea:

  • Oral Appliance Therapy: Dental devices, also known as oral appliances, are effective in treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These custom-fitted devices are worn in the mouth, similar to a mouthguard or orthodontic retainer. They work by gently repositioning the lower jaw forward, which keeps the airway open during sleep. This prevents the tongue and upper airway muscles from collapsing, allowing for an uninterrupted flow of oxygen. Oral appliance therapy is often the most successful treatment option for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. These devices are compact, silent, and easy to wear, which makes them a more comfortable alternative to CPAP machines.
  • CPAP Machines: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are another common treatment for sleep apnea. These machines deliver pressurized air through a mask worn over the nose to keep the airway open during sleep. While CPAP therapy is effective, many patients find the equipment uncomfortable and have difficulty tolerating the mask, headgear, and air compressor2728. As a result, many patients discontinue CPAP use. Studies show that nearly 50% of patients stop using their CPAP device within the first year due to discomfort and inconvenience.

Conclusion

It is imperative to address the hidden health risks associated with sleep apnea. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other complications. Novi Oaks Dental Sleep & TMJ provides effective, non-invasive treatment options such as oral appliance therapy. Don’t wait to address the hidden health risks of sleep apnea. Schedule a sleep evaluation today at Novi Oaks Dental Sleep & TMJ. Call us at 248-347-3030 to learn how oral appliance therapy can help you achieve a restful night’s sleep and improve your overall health.