Snoring, periods of respiratory arrest, insomnia, and hypersomnia are common symptoms and side effects of sleep apnea. Over time, these symptoms can lead to serious problems with your overall health, especially if sleep apnea is not treated. Below are some of the most common risks of sleep apnea and its side effects. Speak to Dr. Montz, Dr. Maher, or Dr. Dunwody at Houston Sleep Solutions South and they will be able to help diagnose your symptoms and develop a unique treatment plan if appropriate.
Daytime Sleepiness
Daytime sleepiness is a symptom and risk of sleep apnea. Also known as hypersomnia, daytime sleepiness can interfere with your performance at work or school and make you very tired by fulfilling important responsibilities related to spending time with loved ones in life, participating in your favorite activities, activities, and exercises. Daytime sleepiness can also put you at risk of accidents if you fall asleep while driving or operating heavy machinery.
Heart Problems
Sleep apnea causes a sudden, recurring drop in blood oxygen levels during sleep. Unusual pressure on the heart and cardiovascular system increases blood pressure and the risk of heart problems such as abnormal heartbeat, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Heart problems are one of the most serious long-term effects of sleep apnea due to the increased risk of surgery, lifelong intensive care, and death.
Type 2 Diabetes
During sleep apnea, blood carbon dioxide levels rise, causing problems with insulin resistance and high blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes alone increases the risk of nerve damage, kidney damage, and arm amputation.
Weakened Immune System
Good sleep is an important factor in maintaining a strong immune system along with proper nutrition, regular exercise, and effective stress management. Lack of sleep associated with sleep apnea can weaken and slow down the immune system, making you more susceptible to disease, infections, and illnesses.
Mood Disorders
Lack of sleep in you can cause anger and depression and can cause problems in your interpersonal relationships and family life. Lack of sleep can also increase the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body and upset the balance of all other hormones and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood. As a result, untreated sleep apnea can often lead to the development of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Death
It is estimated that 42% of deaths in people with sleep apnea are caused by heart disease or stroke, and the risk of death is even higher if sleep apnea is not treated. Finding the right diagnosis and effective treatment for sleep apnea today can significantly reduce your risk of death.
The Importance of Seeking a Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
The incurable effects of sleep apnea can further compromise your health and well-being. Finding the right diagnosis of sleep apnea can take you one step closer to identifying the cause of your sleep problems and becoming healthier and feeling livelier and more energetic. The sooner you can confirm that you have sleep apnea, the sooner you can begin to reverse and treat health problems related to your condition.
Dr. Montz, Dr. Maher, or Dr. Dunwody at Houston Sleep Solutions South will be able to help you determine if an oral appliance is right for you.
Locations (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2443 S Galveston Ave
Pearland, Texas 77581
Pearland Phone: 281-485-48291769 S. Friendswood Dr. Ste 107
Friendswood, TX 77546
Friendswood Phone: 281-482-1275
