As if a sudden interruption in breathing in the middle of the night wasn't scary enough, sleep apnea is known to put patients at risk for other medical conditions too.
Sleep and oxygen are two central components of our health. Without adequate sleep, the body can't conduct routine maintenance, heal, or even rest. Without oxygen, our bodies wouldn't have the energy they need to fuel any of our living processes. Sleep and oxygen are essential elements of life that we could not survive without. Sleep apnea compromises them both. With two of our most treasured resources in jeopardy, disease and other debilitating health conditions have an opportunity to ruin us.
What Health Conditions Can Sleep Apnea Play A Role In?
With the body vulnerable due to sleep and oxygen deprivation, disease and disorders can challenge your health in some of the most destructive ways. The most common diagnoses include:
- Diabetes: Because sleep apnea interrupts your sleep cycle, it also affects your metabolism. The body cannot operate at its optimal processing capacity with limited resources, and sleep and oxygen are two of the most fundamental.
- Hypertension: Vibrations caused by snoring (a common feature of sleep apnea) can cause tiny blood vessel injuries, leading to scarring and arterial hardening. Hardening of the arteries can turn into high blood pressure, strokes, or heart attacks.
- Respiratory: Obstructive sleep apnea results from an obstruction in the airway during sleep. This obstruction can take on many forms and can be caused by different things, but often it is the result of fatty tissue deposits putting pressure on the airways.
- Dorsalgia: Also known as severe back pain, dorsalgia can result from poor sleeping posture (a common feature of sleep apnea), which many sleep apnea sufferers endure in an attempt to open their airways while they're sleeping.
- General fatigue: Inadequate sleep can lead to drowsiness during the day, which, if left uncontrolled, can impede a sufferer's ability to work and drive.
Treating Sleep Apnea in Lynnwood, WA
Sleep apnea treatment requires a neuromuscular dental professional's recommendations and a multi-faceted approach to account for the broad spectrum of symptoms possible. Dr. Buck of Balance Epigenetic Orthodontics specializes in sleep apnea and TMJ treatment making his office an excellent resource for those in need of relief. Call (425) 361-0715 today or visit our contact page here for more information.
