What’s more important to your health than a good night’s sleep? We all agree that eight hours of sleep is ideal, but we often don’t consider the type of sleep we’re getting. Sleep apnea is a major problem that can cause both immediate and long-term problems.

There are two types of sleep apnea — obstructive sleep apnea and central apnea apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when soft tissue blocks the airway. Some patients with severe sleep apnea will experience pauses in breathing as often as 30 times an hour. Our Edgewood dental office is dedicated to correcting obstructive sleep apnea issues with a comfortable oral appliance. The appliance fits over the bottom teeth and moves the jaw forward to open up the airways.

That’s the treatment, but today I want to show you what you can gain. Today we have three major advantages of sleep apnea treatment.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Can Save Your Life — Now and Later
Sleep apnea occurs when the patient stops breathing during sleep. It’s possible for patients to have central or obstructive sleep apnea to die abruptly. It’s a scary thought, but it’s true. In fact, the late great NFL Hall of Famer Reggie White died from complications with obstructive sleep apnea. He was only 43 years old. That was back in 2004, but a recent study found that sleep apnea deaths have been in the rise in nearly the past 20 years.

Studies have found that sleep apnea can be linked to serious medical problems like stroke, hypertension, and even depression. The pauses in sleep cause tension on your heart and your body. When you experience sleep apnea episode, the oxygen level in your body decreases, which causes your blood pressure to rise. This also causes the blood vessels to tighten as your body’s natural response is to send more oxygen to the brain and heart.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Can Save Your Relationship
Sleep apnea can affect children, women, and men, but middle-aged men face the highest risk. We treat a lot of men in our Edgewood dental practice who have struggled with sleep apnea for many years. Often times it’s their bed partner’s who make them aware of the problem. Because snoring is a common sound of obstructive or central sleep apnea, people with sleep apnea often disrupt others throughout the night. It’s not uncommon to meet married men or women with sleep apnea who have been sleeping in a different bed from their partner. The disorder literally drives a wedge between couples!

Additionally, men who suffer from sleep apnea can suffer from impotence. You see, men’s bodies produce testosterone during sleep. Without a healthy night’s sleep, which is often not possible if you suffer from sleep apnea, your body may not be producing adequate levels of testosterone.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Resolves Morning Headaches, Tiredness
This is one of the most obvious benefits. With constant pauses in sleep, it’s next to impossible to get the rest you need. Patients with sleep apnea also often experience constant headaches because they are not getting enough oxygen while they sleep. The two can create nagging results. Some of my patients who have sleep apnea have found it difficult to focus at work and even fall asleep in the middle of the day. This is especially dangerous for those of us who have to drive long distances to work or for work.

Sleep apnea is not a problem you want to leave untreated. Just review the ways in which you can benefit from our sleep apnea treatment. Call our office today at 859-474-7830 to book a visit.