How Untreated Sleep Apnea Can Impact Your Health

When snoring does not directly impact your ability to sleep restfully or breathe, it can be mostly harmless. In many instances, however, this is not the case, and snoring is often indicative of a bigger problem. If you are experiencing restless sleep or waking up exhausted despite sleeping for a full eight hours, you should schedule a sleep consultation with a member of our team to learn more. In today’s blog, your Tampa, FL, sleep dentist encourages patients experiencing specific symptoms to speak to a sleep doctor and shares why it is important to address the sleep disorder sooner rather than later.

Immediate Daytime and Nighttime Symptoms

Have you been getting a consistently crummy night of sleep, despite sleeping for the recommended amount every night? If you answered yes, you may want to think about speaking to a sleep dentist. When patients report bad sleep, difficulty concentrating during the day, and more, it may be an indicator that they are experiencing a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. This phenomenon is characterized by periodic breath-holding and gasping. It is the result of a collapsed airway, often due to relaxed throat muscles.

While the immediate signs may be a bit easier to identify when sleeping in the same room as someone else, there are several other indicators that couples and individuals alike can identify. For instance, sleep apnea may be accompanied by nighttime insomnia, daytime hypersomnia, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, irritability, and more. For more information about the signs and symptoms, or to speak to a member of our team about your condition, call our office.

Long-Term Complications

In addition to the immediate effects, untreated sleep apnea can and will lead to total-body complications and can even be fatal. This is largely due to the impact the disorder has on the cardiovascular system and your brain. Long-term complications may include headaches, high blood pressure, hypertension, and heart disease. What’s more? It increases the likelihood of suffering a stroke and developing type II diabetes.

Why Take an At-Home Sleep Test?

A sleep disorder can be life-altering, but fortunately, there is treatment. If you are unsure if you are experiencing sleep apnea, an at-home sleep test can be used to assist in the diagnosis process with accuracy and convenience. Moreover, our team will assist you in ordering the approved at-home sleep test and answer any questions you may have about the device or process.

Call Our Office and Learn More Today

Sleep apnea, if left unmanaged, can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Do not wait to seek care, and reach out to a sleep dentist if you suspect you may be exhibiting one or more signs or symptoms. To speak with a member of our team about a sleep apnea assessment, do not hesitate to call Sleep Better Tampa in Tampa, FL, by dialing (813) 607-5337.