Sleep Apnea Side Effects

The Fallout of OSA

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which your breathing is interrupted as you sleep because of an obstructed airway. This process can happen hundreds of times throughout the night, resulting in sleep deprivation and even frustration. However, sleep apnea can also compromise your overall health, placing you at greater risk of developing serious side effects. If you do not seek treatment for sleep apnea, you may experience:

High Blood Pressure 

Persistent disruption of sleep can place extra stress on your body, leading to an increase in hormone production. In turn, this can elevate your blood pressure and worsen pre-existing hypertension. Additionally, your blood oxygen levels are lower as a result of sleep apnea, which can contribute to this condition.

Heart Disease

Those suffering from sleep apnea have a higher risk of developing heart disease, which may include heart attack, stroke, or atrial fibrillation. Sleep apnea causes an irregular intake of oxygen, making it difficult for the brain to regulate blood flow to the arteries.

Type 2 Diabetes

More than 80 percent of patients suffering from sleep apnea are also diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Lack of restful sleep may be the culprit, as it can prevent your body from properly processing insulin.

Obstructed sleep apnea (OSA) can result in an exhaustive list of side effects including fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, and depression.

Weight Gain

Patients who suffer from weight gain are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, as excess fat on your neck can inhibit proper breathing at night. Moreover, the condition perpetuates the cycle of weight gain by causing your body to release higher than-usual amounts of the "hunger hormone" ghrelin. However, sleep apnea can inhibit your ability to efficiently translate food into energy, making it more difficult to lose added pounds. 

Headaches 

Lack of sleep and constant waking throughout the night can lead to chronic headaches and may worsen the symptoms of migraines and cluster headaches. Disrupted sleep can cause neurotransmitters to be released at irregular intervals, which can lead to the onset or aggravation of headaches. 

Depression

Patients with sleep disorders often develop mental health conditions such as depression. In a comprehensive study, research demonstrated that those with OSA were five times more likely to suffer from depression than those who slept soundly.

Sleep, Uninterrupted

At Ridgewood Dental Associates, we offer patients custom-made oral appliances to wear while they sleep, which helps alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea and reduce the risks to their overall health and wellness. If you are suffering from sleep apnea, contact our office today by calling (201) 652-2474 or fill out our online form to discuss your treatment options.