The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Did you know that your dentist in Cohasset, MA is a great resource for diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a condition where the person stops breathing intermittently during the night. Many times, a person is unaware that they even have sleep apnea; sometimes a sleep partner is the one who notices that there’s a problem. If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea, talk to your dentist about diagnosis and potential treatment options. There are dangers in untreated sleep apnea.

Heart Disease

The heart needs a consistent, uninterrupted supply of oxygen to function properly. Studies have shown that untreated sleep apnea can lead to a higher chance of getting heart disease. This is, apparently due to the ongoing and frequent drops in levels of oxygen. The added stress on the heart is also brought on by increased blood pressure; again, related to oxygen deprivation. In turn, sleep apnea can raise the risk of stroke, heart failure and heart attack.

High Blood Pressure

Low oxygen levels at night due to sleep apnea can also play a factor in developing high blood pressure. This leads to the release of stress hormones, and the stress hormones elevate blood pressure and constrict blood vessels.

Mood Disorders

If you’ve found that you tend to be more emotionally sensitive, cranky or depressed, the surprising cause might be sleep apnea. This is because the person with sleep apnea isn’t getting sufficient hours of sleep at night. This is hard on the body, brain and central nervous system. If the sleep apnea is left untreated and sleep deprivation continues, there is a potential for damage to the person’s relationships and quality of life.

Don’t hesitate to book an appointment with your dentist in Cohasset, MA if you suspect sleep apnea. Treatment is available!