Stop Sleep Deprivation with CPAP Therapy in Vero Beach

Sleep deprivation. Two simple words that most people probably associate with just being a little tired, but in truth, chronic sleep deprivation can actually have severe, potentially fatal consequences. What are they? Today, we reveal the health risks of long-term sleep deprivation and how CPAP therapy in Vero Beach can help you rest easy and stay protected.

High Blood Pressure

In the medical community, high blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because it is the root cause of so many cardiovascular problems. Research has shown that there is a definitive link between long-term sleep deprivation and elevated blood pressure because it increases the production of the stress hormone, cortisol. This is especially true for those suffering from sleep apnea. In fact, the American Sleep Apnea Association estimates that nearly 38,000 cardiovascular deaths each year are directly tied to complications stemming from sleep apnea.

Weight Gain

When a person experiences sleep deprivation for a long time, the body starts to naturally produce less of the hormone that signals they are full while also producing more of the hormone that stimulates their appetite, particularly for sugary/salty snacks. As a result, a person is naturally inclined to eat an excess of unhealthy foods, and this is a one-two punch that can easily cause someone to pack on the pounds.  And, if a person is already overweight, they are also much more likely to develop a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, making sleep deprivation and weight gain cyclical.

Depression

Sleep deprivation can also negatively impact a person’s mental health as well. In the short-term, sleep deprivation can lead to increased irritability and a loss of motivation…something we have all likely experienced. However, when this problem is extended, it can lead to a full-blown mood disorder such as depression. It has also been shown to work the other way around as well, as depression is often a precursor to sleep problems.

How CPAP Therapy Can Help

For many people, sleep apnea is the primary culprit behind their long-term sleep deprivation, as it affects about 20 million Americans every night, 80% of which are either misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. CPAP therapy is the most commonly prescribed treatment for this disorder, and it works by having a patient wear a mask to bed that is connected to an air pump that uses a steady flow of oxygen to keep the airway open.

Is sleep apnea the cause of your sleep deprivation? Could you benefit from CPAP therapy? The only way to find out is by visiting a certified sleep doctor for a sleep test. Our practice works closely with many trusted sleep doctors who have already helped thousands of patients across Florida. If you find that you are chronically sleep deprived, just give our office a call, and we’ll be happy to direct you to a nearby doctor who will be able to provide the help you need.

Sleep deprivation might seem like a minor problem, but over time, it can become very serious. If you’re ready to start getting the rest you deserve and safeguard your health, contact us today.

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is a certified sleep dentist who has been serving Florida for over three decades. At his practice, he helps patients get sleep testing in Vero Beach and also provides an effective alternative to CPAP therapy: oral appliance therapy. To learn more about what could be causing your sleep deprivation and how to overcome it, contact Dr. Mogell today.