If you struggle with chronic fatigue, mood swings, and irritability, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. The constant disruptions to your sleep cycle can wreak havoc on your emotions, and you may feel drained and listless. While these effects are certainly cause for concern, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can have even more severe consequences for your overall health. OSA has been linked to a higher risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and obesity. For all of these reasons, sleep apnea treatment is vital. Dr. Kaffey offers effective sleep apnea treatment for OSA. Our custom-made oral appliances are comfortable, non-invasive, and effective. To learn more about the health dangers of sleep apnea, contact our Lansdale, PA practice.
Sleep Apnea: An Overview
OSA is a chronic condition that causes constant interruptions to your breathing while you are asleep. During the night, your body enters a state of deep relaxation, and all your muscles release. However, if you have OSA, the muscles in your throat and soft palate relax too much. They will then droop, blocking the flow of air in and out of your throat. Alternatively, your tongue may relax and fall back in your throat, which will have the same effect.
How OSA Can Affect Your Heart
If you suffer from OSA, you have a higher risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Scientists are still researching the exact nature of this connection. Nevertheless, many believe that, due to the disruptions to your sleep, your body will produce extra hormones. These hormones will then raise your blood pressure. Of course, high blood pressure will increase your risk for serious cardiovascular issues.
Other researchers believe that the interruptions to your sleep will decrease the flow of oxygen in your blood. In turn, it will be difficult for your body to regulate your heartrate. Irregular heartbeats will strain the muscle, increasing your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Sleep Apnea and Diabetes
If you have OSA, you are more likely to suffer from diabetes. However, because being overweight can increase your risk for both conditions, researchers are not sure whether sleep apnea actually causes diabetes. On the other hand, many doctors believe that OSA makes it harder to control blood sugar. Therefore, sleep apnea may worsen your diabetes, even if it does not directly lead to the condition.
Other Ways OSA Can Impact Your Quality of Life
Sleep apnea can take its toll on your mental and emotional health, as well. The lack of sleep may make you irritable, forgetful, and depressed. These mental challenges may then create difficulties at work and in your personal relationships.
Finally, OSA can increase your risk for a car accident. Daytime sleepiness is a common consequence of sleep apnea. If you are constantly exhausted, you are far more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel in the middle of the day.
Sleep Apnea Treatment with Dr. Kaffey
Multiple studies show that OSA treatment can lower your risk for a heart attack. In some cases, proper care for sleep apnea may even help you reduce your blood pressure medication. For this reason, Dr. Kaffey takes great care to provide appropriate sleep apnea treatment. He proudly offers the Tap 3 Elite® mouthpiece and the SomnoDent® oral appliance. These devices will gently push your lower jaw forward during the night, tightening your soft tissues, and opening up your airways. Most patients find the devices to be quite comfortable, and they are much more convenient than a traditional CPAP machine.
Contact Us to Protect Your Health
Do not let your disrupted sleep cause serious health issues. Contact us today to learn more about sleep apnea treatment and receive the care you need.