You might know that sleep apnea can cause snoring, daytime drowsiness, and irritation, but not many people are aware of its more dangerous effects. It turns out that not getting enough z’s can impact your blood pressure, circulation, oxygen levels, and more. In severe cases, this can result in rather deadly complications.
To learn more about your risk and how sleep apnea treatment can improve your overall health, keep reading.
Drowsy Driving
Daytime drowsiness can make it difficult to pay attention to the road or even stay awake while driving. If your sleep patterns are distributed for a day or two, you might not notice that much of a difference in your alertness, but research shows that those with sleep apnea are more than two times more likely to experience car accidents.
Irregular Heart Rhythms
Sleep apnea is also known to contribute to heart issues, such as pulmonary hypertension, heart attacks, and arrhythmia. Arrhythmia can be particularly problematic; it’s characterized by abnormal heart rhythms, which can lower oxygen levels in sleep apnea patients. Its effects can be sudden and, when significant, deadly.
Sudden Stroke
Another health issue known for displaying sudden and intense symptoms is stroke. Experts don’t believe that sleep apnea causes strokes directly, but it does contribute to several risk factors associated with strokes. High blood pressure and heart disease are just a few examples.
Struggling Liver
It’s estimated that non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases are nearly three times more likely to develop in patients with sleep apnea. Now, not all liver diseases are created equal, but they can lead to liver damage, cancer, or even liver failure.
Reducing Your Risk
All things considered, sleep apnea rarely (if ever) causes death directly. Rest assured, you’re not likely to suddenly pass away while resting. However, sleep apnea does increase your risk of several health issues that can cause serious complications. More and more evidence shows just how important getting a good night’s rest is for the body!
To reduce sleep-apnea-related health problems, talk to your sleep dentist in Tulsa about treatment. They can help you find the best solution for your symptoms and improve your overall wellness.
About the Practice
Each of our three sleep dentists in Tulsa are specialized in dental sleep medicine. That means they’ve completed advanced training for providing patients with customized sleep apnea solutions through oral appliance and combined therapy. If you’re concerned about your symptoms, please contact our office at 918-300-4325 to schedule your appointment today!