Commonly mistaken for snoring, sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects many Americans today. If left untreated, this condition can be life-threatening. Our team doesn’t believe you should have to worry about sleep apnea, which is why we’re going to give you some of the essential facts on sleep apnea to increase your awareness of this condition.
Sleep apnea can potentially be fatal
If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause breathing to be stopped for periods of time while asleep. The condition has been linked to high blood pressure, stoke, arrhythmia and increased risk of heart disease. Apnea also decreases your quality of sleep, leaving you depressed and irritable.
Men are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than women
Though sleep apnea can occur in men, women and children of all ages, the condition is more likely to affect men who are 40 or older. Risk factors include: being overweight, having a larger neck size, having a family history of sleep apnea, having a large tongue/tonsils or small jaw bone and being male.
There are several treatment options for sleep apnea
The good news is, sleep apnea can be treated and there are several different treatment options. Adjusting your sleep habits by not sleeping on your back may be a quick way you can treat the problem right at home. Other times, surgery or an oral appliance made by your dentist are required for treatment.
Please give our office a call today to schedule an appointment with our dentist by calling (630) 655-0724. We can help treat your sleep apnea with an oral appliance, giving you a restful night’s sleep.