There’s no better way to begin the day that by waking up refreshed after six to eight solid hours of quality sleep. Unfortunately, sleep apnea is a medical condition that can cause a patient to wake up as many as a hundred times in a single night, which can lead to a host of quality-of-life and overall health issues. Here’s a brief guide to how sleep apnea can affect your lifespan and how your dentist can help.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
When you sleep, many tissues in your body such as your muscles relax so they can more easily repair themselves after the strain of the day. However, the relaxing tissues in the neck of a person with sleep apnea will weigh heavily upon their windpipe, which can cause it to constrict and reduce the flow of air into their body. When the brain realizes that it isn’t getting enough oxygen, the person will awaken suddenly and short of breath. This can happen many times over the course of the night, and it can lead to symptoms like:
- Snoring
- Grogginess
- Irritability
- Overeating
- Fatigue
- Depression
How Can Sleep Apnea Shorten My Lifespan?
Sleep is a basic biological need, and not getting enough of it can lead to catastrophic consequences over time. Leaving your sleep apnea untreated for too long can cause serious issues like:
- Kidney malfunction
- Postsurgical complications
- Liver problems
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular illness
- Accidents such as those caused by falling asleep while driving
How Can My Sleep Dentist Help?
Many dentists address sleep apnea with oral appliances that are designed to hold the mouth slightly open while drawing the jaw into a more forward position. This can take a lot of pressure off the windpipe during sleep so the patient can rest more easily with fewer interruptions. Oral appliances are small enough to easily travel with, and many patients report that they are much more comfortable than CPAP machines.
Don’t let your sleep apnea cut into your life expectancy and quality of life. Consulting with your sleep dentist can help you find the best way to get your best shuteye.
About the Practice
Dental Partners of Newburyport offers the finest oral health services in town. Led by Drs. J. Peter St. Clair, E. Charles Beliveau, and Ashley Mullaney, the staff ensures that each patient receives top-notch care in a calming and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as sleep apnea treatment. If you are concerned about sleep apnea, contact the office online or dial (978) 465-5358.