Sleep Apnea and Its Overlooked Consequences

Posted on by Gateway Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ Therapy

Sleep is essential for overall health, yet many individuals suffer from sleep disturbances without realizing the underlying cause. Sleep apnea is a common but often undiagnosed condition that disrupts breathing during sleep. There are three primary types:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most prevalent type, caused by the relaxation of throat muscles blocking the airway.
  • Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
  • Mixed Sleep Apnea: A combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Many people remain unaware they have sleep apnea, as its symptoms can be subtle and mistaken for everyday fatigue. Recognizing the signs early is crucial for improving health, energy levels, and overall quality of life.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The symptoms of sleep apnea can manifest in both nighttime and daytime experiences. Understanding these signs can help determine when to seek professional care.

Nighttime Symptoms

  • Loud, persistent snoring
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Frequent awakenings, sometimes without recollection
  • Restless sleep or frequent trips to the bathroom overnight

Daytime Symptoms

  • Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
  • Morning headaches
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
  • Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or brain fog
  • Irritability or mood swings

These symptoms affect more than just sleep—they can significantly interfere with work performance, relationships, and daily activities.

How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Daily Life

Untreated sleep apnea does more than make you feel tired; it can have serious repercussions on both mental and physical health.

Cognitive Impacts

  • Reduced attention span and focus, making tasks at work or school more challenging
  • Memory problems, impacting both short-term and long-term recall
  • Slower reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents while driving or operating machinery

Emotional and Mental Health

  • Increased stress levels due to poor-quality sleep
  • Higher risk of anxiety and depression due to disrupted sleep patterns
  • Struggles with emotional regulation, making irritability and frustration more common

Physical Health Risks

  • Higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke due to oxygen deprivation during sleep
  • Increased likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes due to metabolic imbalances
  • Greater risk of fatigue-related accidents, including drowsy driving incidents

The effects of sleep apnea extend beyond personal well-being, influencing work productivity, relationships, and long-term health outcomes.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you recognize any of the symptoms mentioned, it may be time to consult a sleep specialist. Ignoring sleep apnea can lead to severe health complications over time. Here are some signs that indicate professional evaluation is necessary:

  • Loud snoring that disrupts your partner’s sleep
  • Waking up gasping for air or choking
  • Experiencing extreme daytime drowsiness that affects daily function
  • Difficulty staying awake while driving or during meetings

A sleep study, conducted at a sleep center or via a home sleep test, is a key diagnostic tool. This test measures breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep disturbances to determine whether sleep apnea is present and how severe it is.

Addressing sleep apnea as soon as possible can prevent more serious complications, such as cardiovascular disease and chronic fatigue.

Treatment Options and Next Steps

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, several treatment options can help restore restful sleep and improve overall health.

CPAP Therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

CPAP therapy can be an effective treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. The CPAP machine delivers a constant stream of air through a mask, preventing the airway from collapsing.

Oral Appliance Therapy

For patients who have mild to moderate sleep apnea, a custom-fitted oral appliance can help keep the airway open. These devices reposition the lower jaw and tongue to prevent airway obstruction.

Lifestyle Modifications

In some cases, simple changes can make a significant difference in managing sleep apnea:

  • Weight management: Excess weight can contribute to airway obstruction, so maintaining a healthy weight can reduce symptoms.
  • Sleep position: Sleeping on your side rather than your back may help keep the airway open.
  • Avoiding alcohol and sedatives: These substances relax throat muscles, increasing the likelihood of airway blockage.
  • Regular exercise: Improves overall respiratory function and helps with weight management.

Seeking Professional Care

If you or a loved one is experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, seeking professional evaluation is the first step toward better sleep and improved health. Dr. Kevin F. Postol and his team at Gateway Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ Therapy is here to provide expert diagnosis and customized sleep apnea treatment solutions tailored to your needs.

A good night’s sleep is essential for a healthy and productive life. If you suspect sleep apnea may be affecting you, schedule a consultation with our team today. Early intervention can make a world of difference in your daily well-being and long-term health.