We all know what snoring is, but do you know what Sleep Apnea is? Apnea means to stop breathing. Sleep Apnea refers to a condition when you stop breathing during your sleep. This condition is a very serious health problem!
Here at AFDPA we are sleep experts,
Did you know that if you have Sleep Apnea and do not treat it, you may be subject to the following problems:
In addition to increasing sleep debt, OSA:
1. decreases lifespan (on average reduced by 20 years if sleep apnea untreated)
2. raises blood pressure
3. increases risk for atrial fibrillation
4. increases risk for stroke by 8x (2x as much as high blood pressure or diabetes does)
5. increases risk for heart attack by 23x (>3x as much as smoking or high blood pressure does)
6. increases risk of congestive heart failure
decreases blood flow to the brain (night and day)
7. impairs concentration and memory (imaging brain shows permanent changes similar to Alzheimer’s)
8. causes impotence
9. causes acid reflux
10. causes obesity and type 2 diabetes
11. increases anxiety
12. causes teeth clenching and grinding, 13. leading to deterioration of teeth, muscle tension headaches and aggravation of TMJ/TMD symptoms
14. causes morning headaches from buildup of excessive carbon dioxide in lungs
15. increases stress, irritability and aggressive behavior
16. causes depression
17. causes lowered pain tolerance
18. suppresses the immune system
19. impairs healing and growth
20. causes nocturia (waking up to get up in the night to urinate
21. enuresis (bed wetting) in children
OSA increases with age, weight gain and respiratory depressing medications.
Average lifespan of people with untreated sleep apnea is 55 yrs (on average reduces lifespan 20 yrs).
17-20% of americans have OSA and 90% of those are undiagnosed.
Here at AFPDA, you are screened for signs and symptoms of Sleep Apnea during our regular examinations. If necessary, we will refer you to the proper specialists to help you control or cure this debilitating disease.
Many Times the symptoms cause by Sleep apnea can be resolved and future harm prevented by:
1.Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures.
2. Invisalign braces
3. TMJ and TMD treatment
Alan Steiner DMD
