Lots of people snore, but did you know your snoring may be a major health concern?

If you have considered a treatment for snoring, you may want to pause and ask if you have sleep apnea. Snoring is not merely a nuisance – it is a risk factor for sleep apnea, which can have short-term and long-term effects on your health if left untreated. Fortunately, like other health concerns, sleep apnea is diagnosable and treatable. Many health insurance plans cover treatment for sleep apnea. Millennium Family Dental is happy to provide treatment for this condition.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea disrupts your natural sleep cycle. It is a common disorder that involves recurring interruptions in your breathing while you sleep. These interruptions are caused as soft tissue in the airway collapses, impeding breathing and preventing oxygen from reaching the lungs.

Many factors can contribute to sleep apnea, such as a large tongue, obesity and weak muscles in the airway.

What Risks are Associated with Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea poses both short-term and long-term health risks.

The short-term risks include daytime fatigue and poor mental performance. The long-term risks are surprising:

High blood pressure
Irregular heartbeat
Heart disease
Heart attack
Stroke
Type 2 Diabetes

The impact of these risks is severe. For example, in the year 2000, approximately 800,000 drivers in the U.S. were involved in sleep apnea-related traffic accidents. And, according to the American Heart Association, people with moderate untreated sleep apnea are 3 times more likely to fall victim to a stroke.

What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

There are several signs of sleep apnea:

Nighttime Symptoms:

Loud, persistent snoring
Restless sleep
Frequent bathroom visits
Pauses in breathing
Choking/gasping for air during sleep

Daytime Symptoms

Headaches in the morning
Daytime fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Drowsiness during repetitive activities

What Should I Do Next?

If you feel you may be at risk for sleep apnea, please seek sleep apnea treatment in Meridian. It is a diagnosable condition that can be treated by a dentist. Millennium Family Dental provides affordable care for the treatment of sleep apnea. We will gladly help you get the sleep that you deserve, and the health that you need. Contact us today to learn more!