Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans and is marked by symptoms like loud snoring, disrupted sleep, and headaches. Yet there is more to this common health concern than meets the eye. If left untreated, it may have long-term health effects. Here are three problems that may arise as a result of the sleeping disorder.

What Health Concerns May Result From Sleep Apnea?

1. Elevated Blood Sugar

People with type 2 diabetes are at considerable risk of experiencing increased blood sugar levels when their apnea is uncontrolled. One in three type 2 diabetics has obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form that causes the soft tissues at the back of the throat to become slack and breathing to slow or stop.

Because the two conditions are connected, it may help to wear a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask to maintain open airways and reduce breathing problems. That, in turn, may minimize stress hormones in the body that make it more difficult to control blood sugar.

2. Cardiovascular Disease

Apnea is also linked to significant heart damage, including failure and arrhythmias. Research suggests that when the airway closes and causes breathing difficulty, it leaves the patient vulnerable to pressure fluctuations in the heart and more inflammation, increasing the likelihood of developing an arrhythmia.

Furthermore, apnea startles the body when it moves from slowed or stalled breathing to natural breathing, abruptly raising heart rate and blood pressure. This, in turn, puts additional strain on the body and leads to stiffer walls in the heart, which can increase the odds of having a stroke or heart attack.

3. Acid Reflux

When the contents inside the stomach travel back to the esophagus, it creates a sensation commonly known as heartburn. Studies have found a relationship between acid reflux and obstructive apnea: 60% of people with the sleeping disorder experience heartburn.

It’s likely due to pressure fluctuations that develop in the chest cavity and the diaphragm. When a person experiences breathing difficulties during an apnea episode, their body becomes more hospitable to acid formation. Common signs include trouble swallowing, a cough that fails to go away, and laryngitis.

If you’re concerned that you may have sleep apnea, turn to Carter S. Yokoyama, DDS. Serving patients throughout Kailua-Kona, HI, Dr. Yokoyama treats the disorder with oral appliances designed to widen the air passages so you can breathe and sleep better at night. You can also trust him for your other dental care needs, from routine care to implants. Visit the website for more information about these services, or call (808) 322-0101 to schedule an appointment.