by Sleep Better Columbus | Jun 9, 2025 | Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common but underdiagnosed sleep disorder that can impact both physical and mental health. Individuals living with ADHD, PTSD, or anxiety may experience more severe symptoms if sleep apnea is also present. While these conditions are often treated separately, research shows that sleep apnea and ADHD, sleep apnea and PTSD, and sleep apnea and anxiety may be interconnected. Understanding how untreated sleep apnea affects these conditions can help individuals seek more effective treatment and management of their symptoms.
Understanding the Link Between Sleep Apnea and Mental Health Conditions
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the airway becomes partially or entirely blocked. Central sleep apnea, while less common, results from the brain not sending proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Sleep apnea can lead to frequent sleep disruptions, oxygen deprivation, and poor sleep quality. Over time, these disruptions can contribute to problems with mood, memory, focus, and emotional regulation.
For individuals already diagnosed with ADHD, PTSD, or anxiety, these effects can make symptoms worse. In many cases, sleep apnea goes unnoticed because its symptoms—such as fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating—overlap with mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions. As a result, people may be treated for anxiety or attention issues without realizing that a sleep disorder is also playing a role.
Because mental health and sleep are closely linked, identifying and treating sleep apnea can be a crucial step in enhancing overall well-being. Addressing sleep issues may help reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms, minimize PTSD-related sleep disturbances, and improve anxiety management.
Sleep Apnea and ADHD: A Complex Overlap
How Sleep Apnea Mimics or Worsens ADHD Symptoms
Sleep apnea and ADHD share many overlapping symptoms, including inattention, poor memory, mood swings, and daytime fatigue. Because of this, individuals—especially children—may be diagnosed with ADHD when sleep apnea is contributing to the behavior.
When sleep is interrupted by breathing pauses, the brain does not reach the deeper stages of restorative rest. This results in cognitive difficulties, irritability, and hyperactivity during the day. These are also core symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Adults with ADHD may find that their ability to focus or manage tasks worsens when sleep apnea is untreated. Children may exhibit behavioral issues at school or appear excessively tired despite adequate time in bed. In both cases, treating the sleep disorder may lead to noticeable improvements in attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation.
What Research Says About ADHD and Sleep Quality
Several studies have explored the connection between sleep apnea and ADHD. Research indicates that children with ADHD are significantly more likely to experience sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea. In some cases, treating the sleep disorder can reduce or even resolve attention-related symptoms.
For adults, untreated sleep apnea may lead to executive function impairments similar to those seen in ADHD, such as difficulty organizing tasks or remembering appointments. It is essential to rule out sleep apnea as a possible contributing factor before making long-term changes in ADHD medication or therapy.
Proper screening for sleep apnea can help individuals receive more effective and personalized care. A sleep evaluation is especially important for those who continue to struggle with symptoms despite receiving treatment for ADHD.
Sleep Apnea and PTSD: Disrupted Sleep and Heightened Stress
The Bidirectional Relationship Between Sleep Apnea and PTSD
Sleep apnea and PTSD often coexist, and their symptoms can reinforce one another. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects sleep by increasing nighttime arousal, nightmares, and periods of hypervigilance. These interruptions can worsen sleep quality, which is already compromised in individuals with sleep apnea.
When the airway becomes blocked during sleep, the brain experiences repeated episodes of oxygen deprivation. This can trigger the body’s stress response and lead to micro-awakenings, even if the individual is not aware of them. For those with PTSD, these awakenings may increase the severity of symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and exaggerated startle responses.
In some cases, sleep apnea may intensify trauma-related dreams or flashbacks during REM sleep. This further disrupts the sleep cycle and contributes to chronic fatigue, emotional instability, and reduced ability to manage stress.
Why PTSD Patients May Not Recognize Sleep Apnea
The overlap between sleep apnea symptoms and PTSD can make diagnosis challenging. Common complaints—such as daytime exhaustion, poor concentration, and difficulty falling or staying asleep—are often attributed solely to PTSD. As a result, sleep apnea may go undetected.
Many patients are unaware they snore or experience breathing pauses during sleep. These symptoms are often noticed only by a sleep partner or identified during a sleep study. Without proper screening, patients may continue to experience untreated sleep apnea while focusing only on managing PTSD through therapy or medication.
Identifying and treating sleep apnea in individuals with PTSD can lead to more restful sleep and may reduce the severity of trauma-related symptoms. Collaboration between sleep specialists and mental health professionals is crucial for providing comprehensive care.
Sleep Apnea and Anxiety: The Vicious Cycle
How Sleep Apnea Fuels Anxiety Disorders
Sleep apnea and anxiety frequently occur together, and each condition can worsen the other. When breathing stops repeatedly during sleep, the brain receives less oxygen and signals the body to wake up and resume breathing. These interruptions often trigger a physical stress response, even if the person remains unaware of waking.
This stress response can lead to increased heart rate, shallow breathing, and heightened alertness—symptoms commonly associated with anxiety. Over time, the repeated activation of this fight-or-flight response during sleep can make individuals more sensitive to anxiety triggers during the day.
Inadequate sleep also affects the brain’s ability to regulate emotions. Individuals with sleep apnea may become more prone to worry, restlessness, and difficulty coping with everyday stressors. These symptoms often resemble or intensify anxiety disorders, making it more difficult to manage anxiety through therapy or medication alone.
The Role of CPAP Intolerance and Anxiety Sensitivity
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a standard treatment for sleep apnea, but some individuals with anxiety struggle to tolerate the device. The feeling of wearing a mask or the pressure of forced air can lead to panic or discomfort during sleep.
For individuals with anxiety sensitivity—who are primarily reactive to physical sensations—this can become a significant barrier to consistent treatment. Unfortunately, untreated sleep apnea may continue to aggravate anxiety symptoms, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.
Alternative treatment options, such as custom oral appliance therapy, may provide a more tolerable and effective solution for patients with both conditions. Working with a provider who understands the mental health aspects of sleep disorders can lead to better outcomes and improved adherence to treatment.
Recognizing When Sleep Apnea Might Be a Contributing Factor
Many individuals living with ADHD, PTSD, or anxiety may not realize that sleep apnea could be affecting their condition. Because the symptoms of sleep apnea often overlap with those of mental health or neurodevelopmental disorders, the sleep disorder may go unnoticed or misattributed.
Key signs that sleep apnea may be contributing include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness, even after a whole night’s sleep
- Loud snoring, gasping, or choking sounds during sleep
- Morning headaches or dry mouth upon waking
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering information
- Mood swings or increased irritability
If these symptoms occur alongside an existing diagnosis of ADHD, PTSD, or anxiety, it is essential to consider the possibility of an underlying sleep disorder.
In many cases, patients receiving treatment for mental health conditions report limited progress or continued fatigue. This may be due to unrecognized sleep apnea interfering with the brain’s ability to rest and recover during the night. A sleep evaluation can help identify whether breathing disruptions are contributing to the issue.
A multidisciplinary approach—one that includes sleep specialists, primary care providers, and mental health professionals—can help ensure that all contributing factors are addressed. Identifying and treating sleep apnea may lead to better mental clarity, improved mood stability, and a more effective response to existing treatments.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea in Patients with ADHD, PTSD, or Anxiety
Treating sleep apnea can significantly improve symptoms in individuals with ADHD, PTSD, or anxiety. While the standard treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, there are additional options available—particularly for those who struggle with anxiety-related sensitivity or compliance issues.
CPAP Therapy: The Standard Treatment
CPAP therapy uses a machine that delivers steady air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. It is highly effective for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and can result in immediate improvements in sleep quality and daytime functioning.
However, some patients—especially those with anxiety or PTSD—may find the mask uncomfortable or triggering. In these cases, alternative therapies should be considered to avoid treatment dropout.
Oral Appliance Therapy: A CPAP Alternative
For individuals with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate CPAP, custom oral appliances may be a better option. These devices are worn in the mouth during sleep and help keep the airway open by repositioning the lower jaw.
Oral appliances are quieter, less invasive, and generally easier to adjust to—making them a practical solution for patients who also experience anxiety or trauma-related sensitivity. Sleep Better Columbus offers customized oral appliance therapy tailored to each patient’s needs.
Behavioral and Supportive Interventions
In addition to physical treatments, addressing lifestyle factors and mental health can enhance outcomes:
- Weight management and exercise may help reduce the severity of sleep apnea.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help patients manage anxiety that interferes with sleep or treatment compliance.
- Sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and reducing screen time before bed, can support overall sleep quality.
Collaborative care between sleep specialists and mental health professionals ensures that both the physical and psychological aspects of sleep apnea and co-occurring conditions are addressed effectively.
Ready to Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep?
If you or someone you know is living with ADHD, PTSD, or anxiety and suspects that sleep apnea may be playing a role, Sleep Better Columbus can help. Contact our team to schedule a sleep consultation and explore personalized treatment options tailored to your needs.
📞 Call us at (614) 777-7350 or visit our website to learn more.
Better sleep starts with a proper diagnosis. Let Sleep Better Columbus guide you toward effective, lasting relief.
by Sleep Better Columbus | Jun 4, 2024 | Sleep Apnea
Untreated Sleep Apnea Can Decrease Your Life Expectancy
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder caused by an airway blockage when lying down that leaves people gasping for air or choking in an attempt to open their airways again. These periods of breathing stoppages can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. During each one, your brain is deprived of adequate oxygen, which leads to your body releasing stress hormones that pose a risk to your overall health.
Over time, the increased stress and panic your body experiences from frequent breathing disruptions can severely affect your health. Research has indicated that untreated sleep apnea can shorten a person’s life expectancy by several years, and according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, untreated sleep apnea increases your risk of death by 17% through the short-term and long-term health issues associated with untreated sleep apnea.
Short-Term and Long-Term Health Issues from Untreated Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea creates multiple short-term and long-term health issues that can degrade a person’s quality of life. Short-term effects experienced by people with untreated OSA include excessive daytime sleepiness, interrupted sleep, reduced deep sleep, poor sleep quality, fatigue, and lack of concentration. When sleep apnea is left untreated, the short-term symptoms a person experiences can lead to chronic long-term issues, with some of these being experienced at much younger ages than is typical.
- High blood pressure
- Heart problems like irregular heart rhythm and heart failure
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Stroke
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Obesity
- Cognitive issues like poor concentration and memory loss
- Early-onset dementia
Each of these health conditions can decrease an individual’s life expectancy and have the potential to become chronic and debilitating, so it’s essential to be compliant and consistent with sleep apnea treatment. Addressing cognitive decline risks in women through effective sleep apnea treatment can also help you avoid a decreased life expectancy caused by untreated sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Can Improve Health, Increase Life Expectancy, and Reduce Risks
When sleep apnea is left untreated, it decreases your life expectancy; however, treating your sleep apnea will increase your life expectancy and also reduce the risk of premature death, stroke, and other health conditions.
It’s extremely important to be compliant and consistent with your sleep apnea treatment plan to effectively manage the condition and improve your health.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Your treatment plan may include nonsurgical treatment options that might be a part of your treatment plan, including the use of oral appliances, nasal resistors, oropharyngeal exercises, positional therapy, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.
1. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Machine
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are a known sleep apnea treatment option. Still, the effectiveness of a CPAP depends on using the machine consistently and correctly. Unfortunately, many people who try CPAP therapy may find compliance with their treatment challenging when they discover they struggle with using the machine, don’t like it, have a hard time adjusting to it, or cannot tolerate the mask or the noise.
2. Oral Appliances from a Sleep Apnea Dentist
Oral appliance therapy is a nonsurgical treatment, and a CPAP alternative is an effective sleep apnea treatment. An oral appliance or dental device for sleep apnea treatment is a specially fitted device custom-made by a dentist trained in sleep medicine. An oral appliance’s primary purpose is to keep the airway open during sleep so the normal airflow during breathing isn’t blocked. These dental devices look like a sports mouthguard or an orthodontic retainer but fit more comfortably. The most common oral appliances are mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue-retaining devices (TRDs).
- Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are sophisticated devices designed to effectively combat obstructive sleep apnea. MADs called mandibular advancement splints, keep your airway unobstructed by gently moving your jaw forward.
- Tongue-retaining devices, also known as tongue-stabilizing devices (TSDs), prevent the tongue from sliding to the back of the mouth and blocking the airway.
FDA-registered oral appliances can treat patients diagnosed with mild or moderate sleep apnea. A qualified dentist trained in dental sleep medicine will choose the right oral appliance for you based on factors such as the degree of snoring and mouth size. Oral appliances are an effective treatment option that can reduce your risk of sleep apnea-related strokes, and many people find oral appliances to be comfortable and relatively non-intrusive.
3. Lifestyle Changes to Treat Sleep Apnea
Lifestyle changes can help prevent and treat sleep apnea and are often used with other treatment options. Lifestyle changes can include:
- avoiding alcohol and sedative medications before bedtime
- frequent and increased physical exercise
- changing your diet and physical activity routine
- weight loss when indicated
Sleep Apnea Specialists Can Help You Manage Sleep Apnea Effectively to Decrease Health Risks and Increase Life Expectancy
The sleep apnea specialists at Sleep Better Columbus are committed to providing compassionate care for every patient and helping each patient find the best and most effective sleep apnea treatment for them. Consistency and compliance with sleep apnea treatment are crucial to effectively managing symptoms, decreasing health risks, and improving health.
We understand many patients may prefer alternatives to CPAP machines, and our sleep apnea therapy solution is simple and comfortable. It uses specially designed mouthpieces that will quickly help those with sleep-disordered breathing sleep better.
Call Sleep Better Columbus today at 614-777-7350 to learn more about how you can extend your sleep apnea life expectancy with non-invasive treatments.
by Sleep Better Columbus | Sep 11, 2023 | Sleep Apnea
Research has shown a connection exists between sleep apnea and aging. When obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is left untreated and deprives someone of healthy sleep long-term, they age more quickly.
What Happens to Your Body with Untreated OSA?
Untreated OSA creates short-term and long-term health issues that can degrade a person’s quality of life. In some cases, untreated obstructive sleep apnea may potentially incapacitate affected individuals.
People who have untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may begin to experience health issues like high blood pressure, heart problems, and diabetes at an earlier age. Additionally, if sleep apnea goes ignored, they may also experience cognitive problems like poor concentration and memory loss, as well as issues related to sleep and dementia, including early-onset dementia at younger ages than is typical.
Short-Term Effects of OSA
A multitude of symptoms are associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Short-term effects experienced by people with untreated OSA include excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches, interrupted sleep, reduced deep sleep, poor sleep quality, fatigue, and lack of concentration.
If obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is left untreated, short-term symptoms can lead to chronic long-term issues.
Long-Term Effects of OSA
When left untreated, OSA begins to impact overall health in ways that become long-term issues. Untreated sleep apnea can be a precursor to several chronic and/or debilitating health conditions such as:
- Adult asthma: sleep apnea can increase your risk of asthma complications and worsen your symptoms.
- Heart problems: OSA has been linked to cardiovascular disease, irregular heart rhythm, heart failure, and stroke.
- High blood pressure (hypertension): sleep apnea can increase your risk for high blood pressure overall and your chance of developing it at a younger age.
- High blood sugar: sleep apnea increases the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes, and if you already have Type 2 diabetes, loss of sleep from sleep apnea can make it worse.
- Liver problems: sleep apnea has been linked to higher-than-average liver enzymes and fatty liver disease.
- Low blood oxygen levels: over time, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can deprive your body of essential oxygen, which can affect the health of your body tissue and organ tissue.
- Mental health issues: untreated sleep apnea can lead to anxiety and depression or worsen these conditions if you already have them; it can also cause mental confusion, poor concentration, memory loss, dementia, and other cognitive challenges.
- Weakened immune system: deprivation of sleep and poor sleep quality from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can weaken your immune system and leave you more susceptible to infections and illnesses as well as extend the amount of time it takes to heal.
A timely diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the appropriate treatment of sleep apnea may help manage these chronic conditions as well as other conditions that have been connected to sleep apnea like chronic insomnia, sexual dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, vision impairment, and chronic kidney disease.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Aging
When obstructive sleep apnea is left untreated, it also accelerates your biological aging process. Biological aging is the cell breakdown process that eventually leads to muscle weakness, issues with cognitive functions, and other health problems common in older age.
Sleep apnea may also accelerate the aging process. Consistent and chronic deprivation of sleep will begin to deteriorate your body the same way that aging does.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Can Slow Premature Aging
While sleep apnea can affect aging in negative ways, consistently following an appropriate treatment plan can slow premature aging or potentially reverse the trend created by untreated sleep apnea.
When patients are compliant with OSA treatments, the sleep apnea treatments will restore good nighttime oxygenation and minimize the number of their sleep disruptions, which, in turn, will promote sleep that is restful and of good quality.
OSA Treatment That Works for You
There are several treatment options for OSA, and you and your doctor will work together to find the best treatment that works for you, including options for treating OSA. Treatment plans may include lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol and sedative medications before bedtime, frequent and/or increased physical exercise, and weight loss when indicated. Other nonsurgical treatment options include oropharyngeal exercises, positional therapy, the use of oral appliances, nasal resistors, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.
Compliance with your sleep apnea treatment plan is important to effectively manage obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its associated symptoms. However, many people who try CPAP therapy may have difficulties being compliant since they struggle with using the machine, cannot tolerate the mask or the noise, or have issues with the inconvenience of traveling with a CPAP machine.
If you have been diagnosed with mild or moderate sleep apnea, FDA-registered oral appliances are available as a treatment option. A qualified dentist trained in dental sleep medicine will choose the right oral appliance for you based on a number of factors such as mouth size and degree of snoring. These appliances are comfortable and relatively non-intrusive. Many people find they make it easier to be compliant with their sleep apnea treatment so they can begin effectively treating symptoms attributed to the link between sleep apnea and aging.
Contact Sleep Better Columbus today either online or by calling 614-777-7350 to find out if you’re a candidate for oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea and put a stop to premature aging.
by Sleep Better Columbus | Jan 6, 2021 | Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a seriously dangerous sleep disorder. It’s causing more than 18 million people to be at risk for further health problems as a result. But how serious is sleep apnea? Besides the mind-boggling figure mentioned earlier, what else about this chronic disorder makes is so dangerous?
Those are the questions we are going to answer in this article. We are going to talk about the seriousness of sleep apnea, and how so many go undiagnosed. On top of that, we’re also going to discuss the medical conditions that escalate because of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is ignored because so many aren’t aware of how serious it is. After this article you will have a command and awareness of sleep apnea, knowing exactly what you must do to get help.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes you to stop breathing during your sleep. There are 3 types of sleep apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Central Sleep Apnea, and Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome.
When you compare them to each other the symptoms they cause can overlap. However, there specific differences to be aware of. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is caused by a relaxation of throat muscles that block your upper airway as you sleep. This is the most common.
Up next is Central Sleep Apnea is the lack of communication between the brain and the central nervous system. Because of this disconnection your brain does not receive the signal it needs to stimulate breathing. This is severe.
Lastly, Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome is a mix of both OSA and CSA. This is the most severe because there are two impairments preventing quality sleep to focus on.
What Are Some Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
When sleep is impaired your health and wellness suffer. After all, how can you be happy or do anything safely when you are deprived of quality rest? Here are some symptoms you want to pay attention to.
Difficulty staying focused or paying attention throughout the day.
- Difficulty keeping your attention on tasks throughout the day.
- Waking up gasping for air from a nap or in the middle of the night.
- Difficult time insomnia or sleeping through the night.
- Early morning headaches.
- Interrupting partners or spouses from their rest because of noisy snoring.
- You wake and have excessive dry mouth.
- You suffer from hypersomnia (severe tiredness during the day).
The Seriousness of Sleep Apnea
The list above shows 7 reasons sleep apnea can’t be taken lightly. But these symptoms lead to very troublesome medical conditions and lifetime problems if left unchecked. What is even more disturbing is that childhood sleep apnea is on the rise. By you becoming aware of the signs, symptoms, and health concerns sleep apnea causes you may help your son or daughter or someone else’s.
Sleep apnea ranges between mild, moderate, and severe. Often many start out mild, and with proper attention can keep it that way. Keep that in mind when reviewing this list. Because complete neglect is a large reason for the condition worsening.
Chronic Heart Failure
With a sudden lack of oxygen circulated throughout the body from sleep apnea, the heart must work under stress.
It’s forced to pump faster and harder because of pressure build-up.
See, if you don’t breath the circulation cycle is stopped. This causes increased pressure and tissue death from lack of oxygen. On top of that, your blood begins to thicken. Because of carbon-dioxide increase in the blood. This forces your heart to work harder. Ultimately resulting in chronic heart failure.
Stroke
When your heart works harder, and your blood gets thinker blood begins to form. As these clots form, one could block blood flow to your brain. Causing a stroke.
Type 2 Diabetes
Studies have shown that untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea increases your chance of developing or worsening type 2 diabetes. This is because of insulin resistance associated with sleep apnea.
Note: Middle-aged and older men have a high risk of developing central sleep apnea according to the Mayo Clinic.
Innovation
Many of the car accidents and accidents that involve heavy machinery are because of sleep apnea. The daytime drowsiness and the lack of focus just for a split second are all it takes to change your life forever.
But what if there was a way to improve your sleep apnea concerns effortlessly, and without a big clunky CPAP machine blowing air into your stomach. You would be able to wake up refreshed, happy, and prevent all these medical concerns. Many of them haven’t been listed.
As you can see, sleep apnea is a huge problem left untreated. And recent research states that about 80% of the United States is undiagnosed. Drowsy driving is dangerous driving.
Dr. Levy of Sleep Better Columbus created a proven and innovative way to improve your sleep apnea, preventing further health deterioration.
A New Way to Improve Your Sleep Apnea Condition
Improving your health by recognizing how serious sleep apnea is should be crystal clear by now. So, let’s switch gears and explore sleep apnea treatment options without CPAP. Some people love their CPAP mask and find great comfort in using it.
However, at the offices of Sleep Better Columbus, the Oral Appliance is making waves, and many are finding results when traditional treatment did not work. The oral appliance is much like a mouthpiece, it’s fitted to you, it’s much more comfortable to use, and you don’t need a big machine by the bedside.
It works by position your jaw forward and making your airway free of obstruction. This is an FDA approved medical device. What is fantastic is the compliant rate of use compared to the CPAP. Because of the caring and attentive staff at Sleep Better Columbus, you will receive an oral appliance that is comfortable. They also will follow up to make sure your sleeping patterns and testing improve by using it.
Oral Appliances are for patients suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Central Sleep Apnea involves the nervous system requiring other forms of care and resources used.
In Conclusion
The main question of how serious is sleep apnea can easily be answered… very serious. Not to mention, it’s also very dangerous if left untreated. It’s important going forward you pay attention to how you feel when you wake up. If you snore that is a sign to set and an appointment with the Sleep Better Columbus for a sleep study. The friendly staff will go over all your concerns and can also offer you a way to do your study at home.
If you are suffering from any of the other symptoms, it’s recommended you also reach out. Don’t ignore feeling unrested or the comment from your spouse that your snoring is getting worse. You don’t need an accident to happen at work before you get help. If you feel overly tired during the day that is a sign. Sleep Better Columbus welcomes you to call (614) 362-7292.
by Sleep Better Columbus | May 25, 2020 | Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder viewed by many as something minor and not much to worry about. But when you look beneath the surface and ask what does sleep apnea cause, astonishing details are revealed. As a result, in the past few years, this myth has been busted. And sleep apnea has become a widely popular topic. Why? Because of what life-threatening diseases it can cause or worsen.
However, there is so much more work to be done in spreading the word. In this article, we are going to go over some of the disorders that can manifest because of sleep apnea and how ignoring the signs and symptoms can cause more harm. You will learn how to recognize these symptoms and what you can do to get treated.
Sound good? Great… Let’s get started.
Sleep Apnea and Common Disorders It Can Cause
There are over 800 sleep disorders, but sleep apnea is the one more common in the United States. And has become a significant reason for health issues. It’s been confirmed that over 22 million Americans grapple with sleep apnea every night.
About 1 out of every 12 Americans suffer and are inadvertently encouraging future healthcare complications because of sleep apnea when it’s left undiagnosed and treated. And sadly, undiagnosed sleep apnea is the truth for 80% of cases.
So how do you avoid falling victim to perpetual healthcare decline from sleep apnea? You do so, by becoming aware and following the steps to get diagnosed and then treated by a sleep study doctor such Dr. Levy of Sleep Better Columbus. After all, if you suffer from sleep apnea you want someone who can improve your quality of life quickly and make things comfortable for you.
Common Disorders Sleep Apnea Promotes
Asking what does sleep apnea cause, but the greatest minds in sleep medicine to work. It’s only when the right questions are asked that the solution of the best treatment for a problem gets solved. Here is a list of the most common diseases affiliated with sleep apnea.
- High Blood Pressure (hypertension)
- Chronic Heart Failure (CHF)
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
- Stroke (loss of blood flow to the brain)
- Depression
- Type-2 Diabetes
- Liver Problems
- Excessive Day Time Fatigue
As you can see, the list above is filled with serious life-threatening conditions and can cause life long consequences if discovered too late.
For example, how much would your life change if you fell asleep at the wheel? Or you drifted off to sleep as you were cooking something on the stove? These mistakes happen every single day because of sleep apnea. If you experienced either one these, how would your life be different?
Worsening Disorders
When you are already suffering from a disease or disorder like chronic heart failure obstructive sleep apnea will make it significantly worse. See when you fail to breathe as you sleep, you cause your co2 (aka) carbon monoxide to build up in your blood. As you breathe regularly moving oxygen and co2 in and out of your body you naturally retain some co2. But people who have sleep apnea have less oxygen in their blood and higher co2 levels.
This creates your blood to become thicker and also stunt the receptors in your body that tell your brain to breathe when sleeping. This causes more stress on the heart to work harder and harder, attempting to bring back homeostasis. Unfortunately without treatment of your sleep apnea, you remain in a vicious cycle of deterioration.
The only way to fix it is with help from a sleep doctor who can properly treat your individual case with the right positive pressure treatment or oral appliance treatment. It all depends on your type of sleep apnea.
This is only one case study of a worsening disorder. There are several outcomes base on the disease that sleep apnea can worsen.
Common Risk Factors To Sleep Apnea
Gender – Middle-aged and older men are more likely to acquire sleep apnea. Sleeping disorder breathing affects almost 50% of men and only 24% of women.
Note: Smoking drastically increases the risk of sleep apnea regardless of gender.
Obesity – There is a relationship between sleep apnea and obesity in around 60% of the cases that are diagnosed. Having a thicker neck because of larger fat deposits will instantly cause an increased risk of obstructing your airway.
Narrow airway – Conversely, being born with or having been in an accident that decreases your airway circumference, will also increase your risk for OSA.
Substance abuse – Using any sedatives or narcotics that impair the nervous system will increase your chances of sleep apnea, more so for CSA (Central Sleep Apnea). You must be careful when taking medications prescribed and know how your body will react.
Stroke – As we mentioned earlier, sleep apnea can cause a stroke. However, if you have already suffered from a stroke you are at a higher risk of acquiring this chronic disorder.
Having a family history – At times you will be predisposed to sleep apnea because it runs in your family. This doesn’t mean you’re destined for sleep apnea, it only means you must be vigilant in your awareness of how you are feeling. And paying attention to the symptoms of sleep apnea presents.
Knowing what sleep apnea causes is part of the puzzle when piecing together the treatment and management of sleep apnea. Knowing how to pay attention to how you feel is also important. Here are some of the most common symptoms you can look out for – in your behavior or those close to you.
- Snoring loudly
- Chronic morning headaches
- Waking up in the middle of the night gasping for air
- Holding your breath in your sleep (observed by someone else)
- Lack of focus while awake
- Irritable
- Insomnia (or waking up multiple times throughout the night)
- When you wake up you have extremely dry mouth
- Exhaustion throughout the day
These are some common symptoms of sleep apnea. And ones to pay attention too for signs you may need to see a sleep study specialist like Dr. Levy from Sleep Better Columbus.
In Conclusion
By now we don’t have to convince you that your sleep health is a necessity for a safe and happy life. Dr. Levy has treated hundreds of patients suffering from sleep apnea. He uses sleep study methods that help diagnose your sleep apnea is a comfortable way. Then afterward sit’s down with you and discuss your best options on treatment.
You may need an affordable state of the art CPAP device, or you may decide to use an oral appliance. You see, with the oral appliance you are fitted for a mouthpiece that can make sleep apnea treatment a breeze. Let our professional team help you with your diagnosis and treatment to ensure you live a long and healthy life.
It’s no longer hard to be diagnosed and treated. You’re not alone. Take the knowledge and the awareness of sleep apnea and make sure you avoid the mistakes so many others fail to avoid. Dr. Levy and staff at Sleep Better Columbus welcome you to call us at (614) 362-7292. The answer to the question – what does sleep apnea cause? Has been answered. The only thing left for you to do is trust us to help.
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