Snoring at Night? Discover How Sleep Apnea Can Negatively Impact Your Body

Have you ever woken up gasping for air? What about getting hit in the head with a pillow because your snoring could wake the neighbors three doors down? Sleep apnea is a real thing, and you shouldn’t ignore it. In fact, if you or your partner believes you are showing signs of having this sleep disorder, you should talk to your doctor immediately. If you don’t think it’s worth the trouble, read on to learn how sleep apnea can negatively impact not only your mouth but your body, as well.

What is Sleep Apnea?

While you may think snoring is just an annoying sound, it can actually be a sign of a serious problem. When you start snoring, the soft tissues in your throat begin to vibrate as the air is inhaled or exhaled. Sleep apnea occurs when your airway becomes blocked, preventing enough air from reaching your lungs. This may cause you to start and stop breathing throughout the night.

What Are the Effects of Sleep Apnea on the Body?

Not only is it enough that you repeatedly stop breathing throughout the night, but sleep apnea can also cause other serious problems throughout your body. From heart disease to diabetes, here are some other negative effects of sleep apnea.

• Depression
• Memory loss
• High blood pressure
• Fatigue
• Heart problems
• High blood sugar level

You can experience negative effects with your circulatory and cardiovascular systems, as well as the nervous system.

Circulatory and Cardiovascular Systems

Have you put on some additional weight? Are you obese? Do you have high blood pressure? If so, there could be a link between sleep apnea and obesity. Apnea can cause you to have an abnormal heart rhythm, increasing your risk of a stroke. Both obesity and high blood pressure put additional strain on the heart, which can lead to heart failure.

Nervous System

If you notice neurological symptoms such as numbness or a tingling sensation, it could be from central sleep apnea. This is a result of a disturbance in your brain that signals you to breathe.

How Can it Be Treated?

Apart from losing weight, which can prove to be beneficial to your overall health, you can look into a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine for treatment. Should you and your doctor choose a CPAP to treat your sleep apnea, you will wear a facemask while sleeping. Air is continuously pumped into the body, keeping the soft tissues from collapsing and blocking your airway.

However, if you feel a CPAP is too bulky or uncomfortable, your doctor may suggest a nightguard, which is made from acrylic and is custom-fitted for your mouth. By using a nightguard, your lower jaw will be positioned in a way that prevents the soft tissues in your mouth from blocking your airway.

There is no need to go through life dealing with the negative effects of sleep apnea. Talk to your doctor about which solution is right for you. It’s time to breathe easier and get the sleep you need.

About the Practice
Dr. Keith Canzoneri, DDS, studied at Loyola Marymount University before earning his doctorate degree from the Northwestern Dental School. Offering state-of-the-art techniques, he and his team of experts provide services customized to your dental needs. We not only want your smile to feel renewed, but we want your entire body to feel more energized by the end of your appointment. For questions about our services, visit our website or call (626) 446-1679.