by Sleep Better Columbus | Oct 20, 2025 | Sleep Apnea
Many adults experience restless sleep, loud snoring, or waking up tired without realizing that these symptoms may signal a more serious issue—sleep apnea. This sleep disorder affects breathing during sleep, often causing brief pauses in airflow that disrupt rest and strain the body. Over time, these interruptions can raise the risk of developing high blood pressure. Recognizing early sleep apnea signs symptoms is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment, as the condition can silently impact cardiovascular function. Understanding how sleep apnea contributes to hypertension is important for protecting long-term heart health and improving daily energy levels.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Blood Pressure
Sleep apnea can directly cause high blood pressure by forcing the body to work harder during periods of oxygen deprivation. When breathing stops, oxygen levels drop, and the brain responds by increasing heart rate and tightening blood vessels. These repeated stress responses happen many times each night, which keeps the body in a constant state of alert and gradually raises blood pressure even during the day.
Key ways sleep apnea contributes to high blood pressure:
- Repeated drops in oxygen activate the body’s “fight or flight” system, increasing heart strain.
- Interrupted sleep patterns prevent the body from regulating stress hormones properly.
- Chronic airway blockage causes the heart to pump harder to maintain blood flow and oxygen levels.
Left untreated, this ongoing pressure on the cardiovascular system can lead to persistent hypertension and a higher risk of heart disease or stroke. People who already have high blood pressure may find it more difficult to control their condition if they also have undiagnosed sleep apnea. Addressing both problems together is essential for restoring healthy sleep and improving heart health.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea often goes unnoticed because the most obvious symptoms occur during sleep. Many adults are unaware they stop breathing or gasp for air at night until a family member points it out. Recognizing these early warning signs is important because untreated sleep apnea can silently contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems. Identifying the symptoms allows individuals to seek help before serious complications develop.
Common indicators that may suggest sleep apnea:
Loud or frequent snoring that disturbs others
Persistent snoring is one of the most common signs of obstructive sleep apnea. It occurs when airflow is partially blocked, causing vibrations in the throat that disrupt both the sleeper and anyone nearby. If snoring happens nightly and is accompanied by pauses or gasps, it may indicate that breathing is being interrupted during sleep—something that can contribute to high blood pressure over time.
Gasping, choking, or pauses in breathing during sleep
These episodes happen when the airway becomes fully obstructed, forcing the person to momentarily wake up to resume breathing. Although these awakenings may be brief, they can occur dozens of times each night, preventing deep, restorative sleep. Such oxygen interruptions trigger the body’s stress response, which can raise blood pressure and place extra strain on the heart.
Waking up tired, even after a full night’s rest
People with sleep apnea often believe they are sleeping enough hours but still feel fatigued upon waking. This happens because frequent breathing disruptions stop the body from reaching the deeper stages of sleep needed for recovery. Over time, this lack of quality sleep not only leads to chronic fatigue but also increases the risk of developing or worsening high blood pressure.
Aside from nighttime symptoms, people with sleep apnea may also experience daytime fatigue, headaches, or difficulty concentrating. These signs occur because the body does not get enough deep, restorative sleep. When this pattern continues, the lack of oxygen and rest affects the heart’s ability to regulate blood pressure effectively. Over time, even mild sleep apnea can lead to persistent hypertension if left untreated.
Individuals at higher risk include adults who are overweight, smoke, or have a family history of sleep apnea or heart disease. Men and postmenopausal women are also more likely to develop the condition. By paying attention to these risk factors and symptoms, patients can take the first step toward improving both their sleep quality and cardiovascular health.
How Treating Sleep Apnea Can Help Lower Blood Pressure
Treating sleep apnea is one of the most effective ways to improve blood pressure control and reduce strain on the cardiovascular system. When breathing is restored during sleep, oxygen levels stabilize, and the body can rest without triggering stress responses. Over time, this leads to lower blood pressure and better heart function. Addressing the underlying sleep disorder allows patients to manage hypertension more effectively, often with fewer medications.
Common treatment options for sleep apnea include:
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy which keeps airways open using steady airflow through a mask.
- Oral appliance therapy which repositions the jaw to prevent airway collapse during sleep.
- Lifestyle adjustments, such as weight management, avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking, to reduce airway blockage.
For individuals with both high blood pressure and sleep apnea, treatment offers a dual benefit—better sleep quality and improved heart health. Studies show that patients who consistently use CPAP or oral appliances often see a significant drop in blood pressure readings. These results are especially noticeable in patients whose hypertension remains high despite medication.
Restoring healthy breathing patterns not only protects the heart but also enhances daytime alertness, energy, and mood. By improving sleep quality, patients give their cardiovascular system the opportunity to recover and function more efficiently. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment are key to breaking the connection between sleep apnea and high blood pressure.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Ignoring sleep apnea can have serious long-term effects on heart and overall health. When left untreated, the repeated drops in oxygen during sleep lead to chronic stress on the cardiovascular system. Over time, this can cause persistent high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Early intervention helps prevent these complications and allows the body to recover from the damage caused by poor-quality sleep.
Those who address sleep apnea early often experience faster improvements in blood pressure control and overall energy levels. Treating the condition also reduces the likelihood of developing other related problems such as diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. When the body receives enough oxygen and rest each night, hormone balance, circulation, and cognitive function all improve.
Benefits of early sleep apnea treatment include:
- Lower risk of developing long-term cardiovascular disease – Early treatment for sleep apnea helps reduce strain on the heart by preventing repeated drops in oxygen during sleep.
- More consistent blood pressure readings and better response to medication – Patients who address sleep apnea often experience more stable blood pressure throughout the day.
- Improved focus, mood, and daily productivity – Quality sleep is essential for cognitive function and emotional stability. When sleep apnea is treated, patients report feeling more alert, energetic, and focused during the day.
Taking sleep apnea seriously is not only about reducing snoring or fatigue—it’s about protecting long-term health. By managing both sleep apnea and high blood pressure, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of future complications and enjoy a better quality of life.
Take Control of Your Sleep and Heart Health
If you suspect that sleep apnea may be causing your high blood pressure, don’t wait to seek help. At Sleep Better Columbus, Dr. Mark Levy and his experienced team provide personalized, non-invasive treatment options to restore healthy breathing and improve cardiovascular health.
📞 Call Sleep Better Columbus at (614) 777-7350 or secure an online form today to schedule a consultation. Take the first step toward better sleep, lower blood pressure, and lasting heart health.
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.
