1. How Well Do You Sleep?
Almost everyone snores occasionally—even babies or pets! However, snoring can negatively affect both the quantity and quality of your sleep. Poor sleep can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and increased health risks. If your snoring is loud enough to disturb your bed partner, it can even affect relationships.
Chronic lack of sleep can also contribute to depression and long-term cardiovascular stress. If you snore regularly and experience daytime fatigue, morning headaches, or other symptoms, you may have Sleep Apnea, a common but often undiagnosed condition as prevalent as asthma or diabetes.
2. Common Effects of Disrupted Sleep
Disrupted sleep can have a wide range of consequences, including:
- Difficulty concentrating or learning
- Memory loss, anxiety, and depression
- Headaches, irritability, and high blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease, reduced libido, and excessive daytime fatigue
3. What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles controlling the upper airway relax during sleep. Snoring may begin, but when the airway is completely blocked, breathing temporarily stops—an event called obstructive apnea.
Each apnea episode can last from a few seconds to several minutes and may occur hundreds of times per night. These interruptions prevent restorative sleep and put significant stress on the body.
4. Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea
Ask yourself or your partner the following:
- Do you gasp or stop breathing while asleep?
- Do you wake up feeling unrefreshed?
- Do you feel excessively sleepy during the day?
- Have your energy or motivation levels decreased?
- Do you have trouble concentrating?
Additional risk factors include:
- Being overweight
- Heavy snoring
- A family history of Sleep Apnea or snoring
Sleep apnea is also linked to serious health concerns such as:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease or previous heart attacks
- Stroke
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, it’s important to consult a professional.
5. Serious Health Risks
Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of multiple health issues:
- High blood pressure and heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Increased risk of car accidents (people with Sleep Apnea are seven times more likely to be in an accident)
Statistics highlight the connection:
- Over 35% of people with uncontrolled high blood pressure also have sleep apnea.
- 83% of individuals taking three or more blood pressure medications still have undiagnosed Sleep Apnea.
- Nearly 70% of stroke survivors have sleep apnea.
6. How Sleep Apnea Affects the Heart
Hypertension: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) causes repeated awakenings during sleep. Each interruption decreases oxygen levels and raises heart rate and blood pressure, placing chronic stress on the cardiovascular system. Untreated, this can lead to permanent high blood pressure.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): OSA causes oxygen drops and higher heart rates, forcing the heart to work harder. When combined with narrowed arteries from CAD, blood flow decreases further, increasing the risk of heart attacks.
Stroke: Reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain make stroke more likely in people with OSA.
7. Can Sleep Apnea Be Treated?
Yes—there are effective treatments available. One widely recommended option is oral appliance therapy.
A custom-fitted oral device, provided by your dentist, gently positions the lower jaw to keep the airway open and prevent apneas.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends oral appliances as a first-line treatment for:
- Mild to moderate obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Severe cases where CPAP therapy is not tolerated or ineffective
This treatment is non-surgical, drug-free, and helps thousands of people worldwide sleep safely. Many patients notice benefits immediately—sometimes on the very first night.
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea or snoring issues, contact our office today to schedule a consultation and explore safe, effective treatment options.