Here’s How Treating Sleep Apnea Can Extend Your Life Expectancy

The American Medical Association recently shared that roughly 30 million people in the United States have sleep apnea. Of those 30 million, only six million have been diagnosed. This discrepancy is largely due to the fact that the pauses in breathing happen while you sleep. So, patients often don’t seek treatment until their partner, a roommate, or a family member is disrupted by the unusual sleeping patterns.

Since the initial symptoms are relatively minor (i.e., daytime headaches, morning drowsiness, poor quality of sleep), many patients don’t make seeking treatment a top priority. But did you know that leaving this condition untreated can actually reduce your life expectancy? To learn all about the dangers of untreated sleep apnea, read on.

The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

At first, losing out on some quality sleep may not concern you. However, it’s important to consider both the short and long-term effects of sleep apnea. Johns Hopkins Medicine has shared that high blood pressure is one of the consequences of this sleep disorder. Since this can result in abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, and heart failure, it can actually decrease your life expectancy by multiple years. Plus, the short-term effects, like daytime drowsiness, increase your chances of getting into a motor vehicle accident. So, untreated sleep apnea is dangerous on several fronts.

7 Important Symptoms to Look Out For

Getting treatment in the early stages is crucial. But how will you know if you have sleep apnea? Well, there are a few important symptoms to keep an eye out for, including:

• Poor quality of sleep

• Morning headaches

• Daytime drowsiness

• Difficulty concentrating

• Chronic snoring

• Gasping for air in the middle of the night

• Awaking with a dry mouth

If you (or someone you live with) notices one or more of these symptoms, then it’s worth scheduling an appointment with a skilled dentist who offers sleep apnea treatment. From there, they can learn about your symptoms and help you pinpoint the root of the problem.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Sleep apnea treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all one. That’s why the first step is to schedule a consultation. Once your dentist has a better understanding of your symptoms, they can work with your primary care physician to conduct a sleep study, determine a diagnosis, and develop a custom treatment plan.

For some patients, this involves a CPAP machine. By opening the airways as you sleep, this device can ensure you get enough oxygen throughout the night. The one drawback is that it can be quite loud and sometimes uncomfortable to wear. In fact, some find this treatment more disruptive than sleep apnea itself! Luckily, there are alternatives, like customized sleep apnea devices that fit more like a nightguard. So, you can get the quality sleep you deserve in a more comfortable fashion. Plus, these oral appliances are much more portable! They work by sliding the lower jaw forward, which prevents neck tissues from collapsing on the airways. Although they are discreet, they don’t compromise on effectiveness and help you achieve deeper sleep.

What Should I Do Next?

If you’re experiencing one or more of the previously mentioned symptoms, then the next step is to complete a sleep study to find out if sleep apnea is the root of the problem. If it is, then schedule an appointment to learn about your treatment options. After discussing your diagnosis, your symptoms, and your lifestyle, your sleep doctor will be able to create a custom treatment plan to restore your peaceful sleep once more. Remember, the sooner you schedule a visit, the sooner you’ll be back on track for a healthier, happier, and longer life!