Sleep Assessment
Sleep apnea is a very serious and widespread issue—in fact, it’s estimated that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common iteration of the condition, affects the nightly rest of roughly 22 million people in the US. But lack of sleep isn’t the only issue that results from sleep apnea; if left untreated, the condition can lead to various types of problems that affect one’s general wellness and life expectancy. Keep reading to learn more from your sleep specialist in Topeka about the lurking threat that sleep apnea poses, along with what you can do to get back to bed.
Understanding the Impact that Sleep Apnea Has on Life Expectancy
Simply put, obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder that interrupts a person’s breathing while they’re asleep—and it’s notably characterized by loud snoring and persistent daytime fatigue, among other symptoms. These episodes occur due to partial blockage in the airway, and when this happens, your chest and diaphragm muscles must work harder than normal to keep your airway open. Since your body also must wake up to normalize your breathing when this blockage occurs, the result is frequently interrupted sleep. In fact, these episodes can occur hundreds of times throughout the night!
But lack of sleep simply headlines the long list of complications that often accompanies sleep apnea. Since these fluctuations in oxygen levels put stress on the body, over time, the condition can take a severe toll on one’s wellness. A few serious conditions that have been known to result from untreated OSA include:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hypertension (heightened blood pressure)
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
- Liver complications
Getting Sleep Apnea Under Control
Sleep apnea isn’t always obvious; while common symptoms include things like snoring, fatigue, dry mouth when you wake up, impaired memory or motor function, in some patients it remains completely undiagnosed—and equally problematic! That said, whether you suspect or know for certain that you’re affected by the condition, seeking treatment will always be in your best interest since it can stave off potentially life-altering consequences.
Sleep apnea treatment starts with a diagnosis; patients will need to undergo a sleep study before they can begin receiving treatment, which often includes solutions like oral appliances or a CPAP machine. There are also things you can do yourself, including managing your bedtime routine, leading a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding bad habits that might contribute to your condition.
Even though the effects of sleep apnea can be quite problematic and even lead to potentially fatal complications, you don’t have to live your life in fear of the condition. Treating and managing obstructive sleep apnea is very possible, and by doing so, you’re giving your body the best chance to not only receive enough rest but remain healthy for the foreseeable future.
About the Author
Dr. Michael E. Michel is honored to serve the needs of patients and families in the Topeka, KS area! Dr. Michel studied at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Dentistry and has taken countless hours of continuing education in a wide range of fields, including sleep apnea therapy. If you have any questions about the article or need to schedule a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact Dr. Michel through his practice’s website or over the phone for assistance: (785) 273-0802.