What Sleep Apnea Is Doing To You & How To Stop It!

It’s one thing to have a night or two of restless sleep.

It’s quite another to feel like you’re walking through wet cement everyday.

If you’ve been sluggish and fatigued lately, or if your family teases you about your chronic, loud snoring, you could have sleep apnea.

You can find solutions that will not only help you get some sleep, but that will help you avoid the health problems that sleep apnea could create for you.

Take a moment to learn a little more about sleep apnea, how it’s affecting you, and how we can help!

The Effects Of Sleep Apnea

It’s a serious sleep disorder with potentially tragic consequences.

Sleep apnea is where your airways become blocked, you wake up suddenly gasping for air, and then you fall back asleep.

These episodes, which you may have no memory of whatsoever, come on quickly and pass quickly.

But they repeat over and over in a vicious cycle night after night!

Here are some other signs you might be exhibiting if you have this condition:

-You’ve gained weight for no reason.

-You wake up feeling tired.

-You can’t focus at work.

-You can barely keep your eyes open throughout the day.

-You snore loudly most nights.

-You wake up often with a sore throat even if you aren’t sick.

Call Dr. Portocarrero right away if these symptoms look familiar. He can help you find rest and relief in our Mesa, AZ dental office.

The Other Ways Sleep Apnea Affects You

We’re spread in so many different directions, it’s hard to believe anyone gets a good night’s sleep anymore.

Sure, you might snore, and you’re dragging your feet everyday, but who doesn’t?

Is it really that serious?

Take a look at some of the other ways sleep apnea affects you, then ask yourself that question again!

 

*Your Nighttime Habits*

We’ll start with nighttime, since that’s when sleep apnea occurs.

Not only does this condition work in a vicious cycle all night long, but it could cause you to start talking in your sleep, roaming the house, and even eating in your zombie-like state.

What’s even scarier is that you may develop these habits and have no memory of it the next day!

This puts you, and others, at risk because you’re not aware of your behavior and could hurt yourself of someone else.

*Your Mood*

It’s not surprising that lack of sleep affects your mood.

When you’re well-rested, you feel fresh, energetic, and ready to face the day.

On the other hand, inadequate sleep makes you moody, cranky, and irritable.

In fact, you could develop chronic depression and anxiety if your sleep apnea goes untreated.

*Your Driving*

Along with feeling completely worn out during the day as a result of sleep deprivation, you’re not nearly as alert as you need to be.

Your response time slows, and your ability to focus is impaired.

Both of these symptoms are a recipe for disaster if you have to drive to and from work everyday. Even a quick trip to the local convenient store is dangerous for someone who’s sleep deprived!

The science corroborates this, suggesting that sleep apnea sufferers are at a higher risk for wrecks when behind the wheel.

*Your Total Health*

Your body needs oxygen.

That’s a real shock, right?

Of course, we know already know how essential oxygen is, so naturally, a lack of oxygen will affect you, but in ways you might find surprising.

Being starved of oxygen forces your heart to beat faster because it’s searching throughout your body for more oxygenated blood.

This puts too much pressure on your heart and can lead to disease and hypertension.

What’s worse is that these are only two of the health risks tied to sleep apnea.

Two from a rather long list!

Call Us Today For Help!

Dr. Portocarrero has the training and experience to help you overcome sleep apnea and avoid all the health risks associated with it. Not just that, but he and our team can offer solutions to improve your sleep, and as a result, your quality of life.

You’ll feel alert, energetic, and refreshed when you trust Dr. Portocarrero at Alluring Smiles.

If we find that you have sleep apnea, we can fit you with a comfortable oral appliance that gently puts your jaw in a better position to let air pass through easily for more restful sleep.

Call our Mesa, AZ dental office today at 480-830-6300 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.