How Dangerous Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Vero Beach?

Obstructive sleep apnea in Vero Beach is a common condition, but many people misunderstand it. They may simply dismiss OSA as an annoyance that causes snoring. However, the way this condition interferes with the sleep cycle can lead to devastating — and even life-threatening — consequences. Let’s take a moment to discuss some of the serious problems that can come about as a result of untreated OSA.

High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease

A lack of high-quality sleep encourages your body to produce stress hormones. Stress hormones, in turn, contribute to elevated blood pressure. High blood pressure can also result from the lowered blood oxygen levels that OSA can cause.

Low blood oxygen levels often contribute to other cardiovascular issues as well. Various studies have shown that individuals with OSA are more likely to suffer from heart attacks and strokes than people who get an adequate amount of rest each night.

Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

It is estimated that 80 percent (or more) of people with type 2 diabetes also suffer from OSA. Although research has not established a direct cause and effect relationship between the two, it is worth noting that a lack of sleep affects the way your body uses insulin. Improper insulin use can worsen or even cause diabetes.

Obesity increases the risk of OSA, but the relationship between the two conditions goes both ways. If you have OSA, your body may produce more of the hormone that causes hunger, which can make it more challenging for you to eat a healthy diet. The persistent tiredness that results from OSA can also make it difficult for you to get enough exercise to control your weight.

Acid Reflux

Many people who have OSA suffer regularly from acid reflux, particularly at night. More research is necessary in order to understand the relationship between the two disorders. It is possible that airway changes due to OSA cause the acid reflux. It has also been postulated that acid reflux leads to vocal cord spasms that in turn cause sleep apnea. It may even be that acid reflux and OSA simply have common risk factors (such as obesity) that cause the two conditions to coexist in many individuals.

Traffic Accidents

OSA stops your brain from getting the rejuvenating rest it needs to function at its best. Therefore, you may suffer from slowed reflexes and a lack of alertness, which can lead to danger on the road. Multiple studies have linked OSA with a significantly increased risk of traffic accidents. One such study even found that OSA sufferers are five times more likely to be involved in an accident than people who get enough high-quality shuteye.

Clearly obstructive sleep apnea in Vero Beach is more than a nuisance — it could cost you your life! If you have OSA, or even suspect you have it, seek treatment as soon as possible.  

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is a general dentist and dental sleep medicine expert. He has helped many patients find relief from OSA via oral appliance therapy. If you are interested in finding out how Dr. Mogell can help you enjoy higher-quality rest, contact our Vero Beach office at 772-882-6800 today.