Can Sleep Apnea Be Fatal?

Sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. On the surface, it might seem like little more than an annoyance, but it can actually be a major threat to your health! In fact, without timely treatment, it could even prove to be fatal. How could that happen, and what can you do to protect yourself? This blog post provides helpful information.

Cardiovascular Disease

One of the most serious consequences of untreated sleep apnea is its impact on the cardiovascular system. When your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, your body experiences drops in oxygen levels. These disruptions put extra stress on your heart and blood vessels. Over time, this added strain can increase the risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias, and strokes. Additionally, research has shown that people with sleep apnea face a much higher chance of developing high blood pressure, which further raises cardiovascular risks.

Other Serious Health Problems

Sleep apnea does not only affect the heart. It can also play a role in the development or worsening of other health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. When your body does not get a proper amount of rest, blood sugar levels may become harder to control, making diabetes management more difficult.

Sleep apnea has also been linked to depression, anxiety, and problems with memory and concentration. These effects can significantly reduce quality of life and increase the risk of long-term health complications.

Accidents

Beyond medical complications, untreated sleep apnea raises the risk of accidents in everyday life. You may often wake up feeling tired, even after a full night in bed. This persistent fatigue makes it harder to focus and react quickly, which can lead to car crashes and other life-threatening accidents.

Seek Treatment to Lower Your Risk

While the above information may seem scary, the good news is that effective treatments are available for sleep apnea! If you believe you have this condition, talk to your doctor. They may recommend that you undergo a sleep test, which can confirm whether or not you have sleep apnea. Then, you can explore your treatment options.

Many patients find that a custom oral appliance from a sleep dentist is an effective way to manage their condition. This therapy uses a mouthguard-like device to gently reposition your lower jaw, which in turn keeps your airway open and facilitates better breathing. Oral appliance therapy is generally regarded as more comfortable and convenient than CPAP therapy, which is the most commonly prescribed way to address sleep apnea.

Untreated sleep apnea can be life-threatening! Talk to your care team if you have concerns about the quality of your nightly rest.

Meet the Practice

Drs. Yitta Garden and Kenneth Mogell are both certified by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. They have a wealth of experience in helping patients manage their sleep apnea through oral appliance therapy. If you believe that sleep apnea is posing a threat to your health and daily quality of life, our team would be happy to advise you on your next steps. Contact any of our offices or call our Boca Raton location at 561-353-5252.