Virginia beach Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentistry Blog - Dr. Michael Folck

Thursday, March 31, 2016

More Than a Snore: Sleep Apnea's Negative Health Effects

Sleep is a vital part of life. Our bodies use sleep to rest and repair from the day. If you are not getting a good night's rest then your body is fighting an uphill battle to repair itself. Many people are not getting the rest they need because sleep apnea is standing in there way.
Sleep apnea is a chronic disorder where you temporarily stop breathing throughout the night. This can be caused by a blockage in the throat or because the brain is not sending the correct signal. It usually happens between 10 and 50 times per night.
While at first thought sleep apnea sounds like a nuisance that leads to a restless night, it has far further reaching consequences. Here are some of the dangers of sleep apnea:
·         Emotional issues such as depression, anxiety, and mood swings.
·         Memory loss.
·         Weight gain.
·         Heart complications such as heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure, and irregular heart beats.
·         Stroke.
·         Worsening ADHD.
·         Headaches.
·         Diabetes.
The traditional sleep apnea treatment for sleep apnea is the CPAP machine, which keeps a continuous flow of air through your nose so that breathing is normalized. While the CPAP machine is still the most effective treatment, it is often unnecessary as these simple life changes can make a tremendous difference:
·         Quit smoking.
·         Limit alcohol, especially before bed.
·         Avoid certain medications.
·         Losing weight.
·         Wearing a specialized mouth guard.
The most common symptom associated with sleep apnea is loud snoring throughout the night. You may also have sleep apnea if you wake up feeling out of breath, like you are choking, or gasping for air. Also if you frequently stop breathing for long periods of time or have general restlessness you may be suffering from sleep apnea.

If you live in the Norfolk, VA area and think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, call Dr. Michael Folck's office at (877) 206-3444 to schedule a consultation.

posted by TammyS at 4:17 PM

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