How Does Sleep Apnea Impact You In The Long Term?

Categories: Sleep Apnea

When we see our Spring, TX, patients about their poor sleep, they often complain about exhaustion, headaches, and other short-term warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). But what about the long run? What happens to our health when we avoid treatment for a sleep disorder? How does OSA impact our health over the course of months or years?

The Onset of OSA

Sleep apnea may occur due to a number of different factors. For example, obesity, neck circumference, age, deviated septum or sinus/allergy issues, and excessive alcohol consumption all increase the risk of apnea episodes. Each episode involves the soft tissues in your throat and mouth collapsing, blocking airflow. The patient actually stops breathing until the brain registers the drop in oxygen and wakes him or her. Being woken several times a night prevents REM sleep and leaves the patient feeling exhausted during the day. If you suffer from headaches, drowsiness, dry mouth, or episodes of waking in the night choking/gasping or struggling to breathe, then please let us know right away. We can diagnose the issue with a unique and comfortable at-home diagnostic device.

The Long-Term Health Impacts

Over time, lack of sleep could compromise your immune system, leaving you sick more often. You may also be more likely to develop depression and see your work life suffer. Over time, the disorder could also strain your cardiovascular system. When this happens, the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack increases. As you see, your health can suffer significantly without possible treatment. You should seek sleep apnea solutions to avoid these long-term health issues and enjoy a better night’s rest!

Treating Your Disorder

So, how do we treat this serious sleep disorder? Don’t worry, in most cases the treatment is a comfortable and non-invasive device, a custom oral appliance. A personalized sleep appliance will look and fit much like a mouthguard. The device also repositions the jaw, helping airways remain unobstructed throughout the night. For treatment, you will need to wear them nightly. Over the course of treatment, the device will ensure you breathe easy and avoid apneic episode. If you have any questions about our personalized sleep appliances or our at-home sleep test, then please contact our team today. We wan to help you enjoy a good night’s rest and avoid further discomfort due to untreated sleep apnea.

We Offer OSA Solutions

Our team would like to help you enjoy optimal health by treating your sleep disorder with personalized solutions. To learn more about finding the right solution for your OSA, or to undergo a diagnosis with our comfortable at-home sleep test, please call Houston Sleep Solutions in Spring, TX, at (281) 320-2000, or in Pearland, TX, at (832) 564-3508.