More than Snoring: Sleep Apnea Can Compromise Your Health

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Sleep Apnea Can Compromise Your Health

If you’ve experienced a terrible night of sleep, only getting a couple hours of rest, you know how frustrated, irritable, and tired you feel that next day. Although coffee can be our savior during these days, nothing can really replace a good amount of sleep.

While you may think you’re getting a full night’s rest while dealing with sleep apnea, the truth is, you’re constantly running on fumes – just like those nights without much sleep. Although your body may have gotten used to the effects of dealing with sleep apnea, the long-term effects are important to know … Sleep Apnea can compromise your health. Let’s dive deeper into sleep apnea; what it is, what you can do, and what to watch for.

Learn more about Sleep Apnea from WebMD.

Sleep Apnea Explained

Sleep apnea causes disturbances in your sleeping pattern. It can cause you to wake up hundreds of times throughout the night. It’s also extremely common in the U.S., with over 25 million adults suffering from this chronic condition. According to sleepapnea.org, Sleep apnea occurs in about 3% of normal weight individuals but affects over 20% of obese people. In general, sleep apnea affects men more than women. However, sleep apnea rates increase sharply in women after menopause.”

Learn more HERE.

While sleep apnea is often associated with snoring, it’s important to know that not all snoring is a result of sleep apnea.

People with sleep apnea often:

  • Snore louder than people with regular snoring
  • Are restless
  • Pause while they breathe
  • Take shallow breaths
  • Choke or gasp

There are three main types of sleep apnea:

  1. Obstructive: This is the most common type and happens when your airway is obstructed, muscular.
  2. Central: This is not muscular, but happens because the brain is not telling your muscles to breathe – it is a central nervous system issue.
  3. Complex: When someone has both issues – central and obstructive.

Long-Term Symptoms

Sleep apnea can compromise your health, make you tired, give you dry mouth, increase anxiety, give you headaches, and more. Long-term symptoms of sleep apnea become even more serious and include:

  • Heart Disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Depression

Related Article: Sleep Apnea: Snoring Could Be More Dangerous Than You Think!

We Can Help!

Oral appliances, or mouth guards, are extremely helpful for sleep apnea and snoring. This mouth guard is worn only while you sleep and fits like an orthodontic retainer. These oral appliances support your jaw, to help maintain an open upper airway even as your muscles relax.

More than 100 oral appliances have received FDA clearance and Dr. Thomas Anderson and his team will recommend the device that is best for you. Talk to Dr. Anderson and his Dental Team about treatment options for sleep apnea and snoring. Ask if oral appliance therapy might be the right solution for you. Get help today to improve your sleep and your health!

Learn about additional treatment options in this article by Cleveland Clinic.

Mouthguards Protect Your Smile

Now you know a little more about how mouthguards protect your smile! It’s also important to stay up to date on your cleanings and routine visits. In the meantime, having a strong and steady oral health routine – brushing twice a day and flossing once – is the best thing you can do for your oral health!

Don’t let Sleep Apnea compromise your health, call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Anderson at 816-373-4440.

Contact us today to schedule your dental appointment and meet with our skilled dentists at one of our three conveniently located dental office locations within the Kansas City area, including Lee’s Summit / Independence, the Country Club Plaza and Downtown Kansas City. The gentle dentists and expert team at Thomas L. Anderson and Associates look forward to working with you to treat your dental emergency, achieve proper oral health and a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions about your dental insurance benefits, please do not hesitate to contact us.  We are happy to review your policy! Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment and become part of our dental family.

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