The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is not something that can be cured, but there are solutions available in the Novi, Michigan, area that can help you get a good night’s sleep and combat the dangerous side effects of untreated sleep apnea. A night guard for sleep apnea is a treatment option made available by Dr. Rekha Mahajan and the team at Mahajan Dentistry. A specialized, custom-fit mouthpiece is placed comfortably over your teeth to position the lower jaw and tongue forward, ensuring there is an open airway for a good night’s sleep with uninterrupted breathing. Unfortunately, many people are unaware they have sleep apnea.

Here are some of the dangerous side effects of untreated sleep apnea.

Linked Health Conditions

One of the biggest dangers of untreated obstructive sleep apnea is the list of associated health risks that can arise. Metabolic syndrome is a group of health risk factors that include high blood pressure, increased blood sugar levels, excess body fat, dangerous cholesterol levels, and more. You are at a higher risk of heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and heart attack. Other health risks associated with untreated obstructive sleep apnea include type 2 diabetes, glaucoma, stroke, and pregnancy complications (for women).

Mood and Neurocognitive Issues

Even if you don’t consciously wake up each night, if you have sleep apnea, your sleep pattern is likely being constantly disturbed up to hundreds of times a night. That can put you at an increased risk of neurocognitive issues and have a negative effect on your overall mood. This occurs because the sleep you get each night is not regular. Some issues that can be linked to sleep apnea include:

Drop in your sex drive

Getting treatment for your sleep apnea will change your life in very positive and healthy ways. The good news is that you do not need a bulky CPAP. A small, convenient, and comfortable sleep appliance will do wonders for your sleep apnea.

To learn more about what Mahajan Dentistry has to offer, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Rekha M. Mahajan today by calling (248) 971-2200.

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