Feeling exhausted here and there is one thing.
Feeling completely worn out day after day is quite another, and it could be your body’s way of telling you there’s a serious problem with your sleep quality.
Our team at Cosmetic Dental Associates wants you to know what you’re putting at risk by ignoring the signs of sleep apnea and how you can avoid those risks by visiting us in San Antonio for treatment.

Here’s How Sleep Apnea Works

Sleep apnea can be broken into a few different types depending on what’s causing it, but the results are pretty much the same – night after night of little-to-no rest.
That’s because it’s a disorder where your sleep is being constantly disrupted by a blockage in your airway, whether you’re fully aware that it’s happening or not.
Often, it’s the loud chronic snoring that will tip someone off that they may have sleep apnea.
But there are other signs, as well, such as:

  • Daily fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Moodiness
  • Waking with a dry mouth/sore throat
  • Concentration and memory problems
  • Headaches, and more!

Here’s Why You Can’t Leave Sleep Apnea Untreated!

Getting enough sleep isn’t just about maintaining an energy level. It’s about giving all the mechanisms in your body a chance to replenish themselves. Without rest, you’re forcing your body to work overtime, and the consequences can be deadly.
Here are a few of the serious health risks you face if your sleep apnea goes untreated:

*You’re At Risk For Heart Disease*

As you sleep, your body depends on oxygen to keep you breathing. When the flow of oxygen is being disrupted because of a disorder like sleep apnea, your heart has to work even faster and harder to send the oxygen in your blood to the rest of your body to make up the difference.
All that stress and strain puts you at risk for heart disease.

*You’re At Risk For Hypertension*

High blood pressure is another health complication that can arise from untreated sleep apnea.
Your circulatory system is under tremendous pressure when it’s fighting to pump blood throughout your body without any adequate time to rest, and it can eventually lead to hypertension.

*You’re At A Higher Risk For Car Accidents*

You know those days when you’re just so tired coming home from work that it takes every bit of energy you have to keep your eyes open behind the wheel?
This is why it’s no surprise that people with untreated sleep apnea are more prone to car accidents. Chronic sleep deprivation impedes your alertness and your reflexes, making it harder for you to drive safely.

*You’re At Risk For Depression*

You know how agitated you feel with even one night of restless sleep, right?
When that sleep deprivation is sustained over a long period of time, you’re not just irritable, but you’re at a higher risk for developing chronic depression.
Research shows that persistent lack of sleep will inevitably affect your mood, and this is something that has widespread ramifications, affecting not just your physical health, but your emotional wellbeing and your relationships as well.

Get Better Sleep Now!

Dr. Moore has extensive training in a wide range of dentistry services, including treatment for sleep apnea that will help you breathe better at night and wake up feeling rested and refreshed!
When you improve your sleep quality, you decrease the risk of developing the health problems we talked about in today’s blog.
Get better sleep now! Call Cosmetic Dental Associates today at 210-951-4444 (Medical Center) 210-942-5047 (Alamo Ranch) 210-934-8188 (Stone Oak) or fill out our online form to request an appointment.