By treating your sleep apnea, you can reduce your risk of heart disease. Sleep apnea is linked to a variety of heart problems because it causes you to stop breathing many times each night. These breathing pauses cause changes in your blood pressure and can reduce your blood oxygen levels. This puts an enormous strain on your heart.
People with untreated sleep apnea have a higher rate of death from heart disease than those without sleep apnea or with treated sleep apnea. Using an oral appliance consistently and over an extended period can protect you from heart problems which may include:
If you have sleep apnea, proper treatment can reduce your risk of stroke, one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability. A stroke is a sudden loss in brain function. It occurs when there is a blockage or rupture in one of the blood vessels leading to the brain. People with untreated sleep apnea are two to four times more likely to have a stroke.
Treating your sleep apnea can improve insulin sensitivity. Sleep apnea is related to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, both factors in type 2 diabetes. Untreated sleep apnea increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Treating sleep apnea can help you become a safer driver by reducing your daytime sleepiness. Untreated sleep apnea makes you more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle crash. Many people with sleep apnea have a difficult time staying awake and concentrating while driving.
Sleepiness and daytime fatigue are common symptoms of sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy can restore your normal sleep pattern and increase your total sleep time by eliminating interruptions in your sleep. This will help you wake up feeling more refreshed and boost your energy throughout the day.
Untreated, severe sleep apnea can damage your brain tissue. As a result, you may have trouble concentrating. You also may suffer from memory loss. Treating your sleep apnea may improve your ability to think, concentrate and make decisions. This also can improve your productivity and decrease your chance of making a costly mistake at work.
Untreated sleep apnea increases your risk of depression. Oral appliance therapy can help improve your mood, reduce your risk of depression and improve your overall quality of life.
By keeping your airway open as you sleep, Oral appliances reduce or eliminate snoring. While you may not notice, your bed partner will benefit from a quieter sleep environment!