Don’t Ignore Your Sleep Apnea
If you’re experiencing daytime drowsiness, irritability, or heavy snoring that’s often punctuated by loud gasping noises at night, you may have sleep apnea. This serious medical condition causes individuals to stop breathing multiple times during sleep, resulting in a significant decrease in blood oxygen levels. If left untreated, sleep apnea can put you at risk for several health issues.
Fortunately, there’s help available. Dr. Mark Katz, a sleep dentist based in Greensboro, NC, can help you. By seeking a proper diagnosis and receiving effective treatment, you can alleviate your sleep apnea symptoms and protect your health. Don’t ignore your sleep apnea — talk to Dr. Katz today.
Untreated Sleep Apnea’s Health Risk Factors
If sleep apnea is left untreated, the oxygen levels your brain and organs receive will slowly diminish. This can cause a series of underlying conditions and illnesses. Several health problems associated with sleep apnea include:
- Weight gain
- Stroke
- Depression
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart failure
- Liver problems
- High blood pressure
Sleep Apnea & Weight Gain
Sleep apnea causes the patient’s metabolism to slow down, making it difficult to lose weight. Sleep apnea also triggers your body to release a hormone called ghrelin. Ghrelin makes you crave foods that are high in carbohydrates.
This double-whammy effect makes it difficult for people with sleep apnea to avoid weight gain. When you’re overweight, it puts you at greater risk for additional health concerns including:
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Obesity
Stroke & Heart Disease
Studies have shown sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of stroke. Over time, sleep apnea causes persistently low blood oxygen levels. Your body responds by releasing surges of stress hormones which increase your blood pressure and cause fluctuations in your heart rate (arrhythmia). This can lead to stroke and heart disease.
Diagnosing Sleep Disorders
Here at our Greensboro, NC office, your health is important to us. If a patient is suffering or believed to be suffering from sleep apnea, we recommend taking a sleep study. We’ll provide you with options to choose from.
You can either take your sleep study at a laboratory monitored by sleep specialists or do a home sleep study. The study will monitor your brain activity, heart rate, breathing patterns, and blood oxygen levels. Once we’ve received a diagnosis, we’ll recommend treatment based on the severity of your diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Once you receive your diagnosis, it’s crucial to seek effective treatment. Dr. Katz offers custom oral appliances to treat your sleep apnea symptoms. Oral appliances are a great alternative to CPAP as they’re portable, small, and noise-free. The appliances help comfortably move the jaw forward to allow oxygen to flow through the throat without obstructions. The discreet design of oral appliances also helps you sleep in comfortable positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it dangerous to leave sleep apnea untreated?
Yes, sleep apnea is a serious medical condition associated with many symptoms beyond snoring and lack of quality sleep. Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to several health consequences including:
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Liver problems
In the worst-case scenarios, some of these illnesses can be fatal. That’s why it’s crucial to receive professional help from an experienced sleep dentist. During your consultation with a sleep apnea dentist, they’ll evaluate your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that fits your needs.
How can I reduce my risk of sleep apnea?
When combined with professional treatment, making certain lifestyle changes can be beneficial in reducing sleep apnea symptoms. Some effective natural remedies include:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Use a humidifier to open your airways
- Exercise regularly (yoga promotes oxygen flow)
- Do positional therapy (sleep position changes)
- Avoid alcohol consumption & smoking, especially before bedtime
Treat Your Sleep Apnea Symptoms Now
Don’t deal with unrestful nights any longer. Reliable treatment solutions are available to put your sleep apnea symptoms to bed. You don’t have to live with an increased risk of health complications from untreated sleep apnea.
Call Dr. Katz today at (336) 346-8988, and we’ll make sure you get the appropriate care. You can also fill out our online contact form below, and a staff member will assist you. Dr. Katz treats patients in Greensboro and surrounding areas such as Winston-Salem, Whitsett, Summerfield, and Kernersville, NC.