The American Medical Association states that 6 million people in the United States are diagnosed with sleep apnea, but 30 million people actually have sleep apnea. This is a condition in which a person stops breathing multiple times throughout the night, then their body wakes them up to resume breathing. 

If your partner complains about your loud snoring or if you feel sluggish throughout the day, you may have sleep apnea. Without proper treatment, there are serious health consequences, so it’s important to have a sleep study done as soon as possible. 

Dr. Abbey J. Lee, dentist in Grant Park, works with your sleep doctor or general physician to combat your sleep apnea. She offers patients a customized oral appliance that prevents their throat muscles from blocking their airways while they sleep. To learn more about this effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), contact our office today!

If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause a wide range of health problems: 

1. Oral

People with sleep apnea often sleep with their mouths wide open. This causes a domino effect on your oral health. Mouth breathing can heald to dry mouth, which often results in increased plaque, tooth decay, gum disease, and mouth sores. 

2. Respiratory 

One study found that OSA increases lung elasticity recoil pressure, making the lungs snap back too forcefully and contributing to airway collapse. 

As a result, sleep apnea can lead to or worsen lung problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension, and asthma. 

3. Endocrine 

The endocrine system, or hormone system, makes, sends, and regulates hormones. This process can be interrupted by sleep apnea in two major ways: 

1. Insulin resistance. A condition that causes the cells to respond poorly to the insulin hormone, causing your blood sugar levels to rise, and increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 
2. Metabolic syndrome. This is a combination of biochemical and physiological abnormalities that can lead to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. 

4. Digestive 

Digestive issues associated with sleep apnea include: 

• Fatty liver disease
• Liver scarring
• High levels of liver enzymes
• Heartburn

5. Circulatory and Cardiovascular

Obesity and high blood pressure, which are symptoms of sleep apnea, increase strain on the heart. This means that people with sleep apnea are also more likely to have atrial fibrillation, stroke, and heart failure. 

6. Reproductive

Sleep apnea can cause low libido in men and women and contribute to erectile dysfunction in men. 

7. Nervous

There is a link between sleep apnea and depression. Many people experience the symptoms of both at the same time, while others experience sleep deprivation and then depression. Sleep apnea is also linked to memory loss and mental confusion or brain fog. 

Grant Park Sleep Apnea Treatment

There really is no downside to seeking treatment for sleep apnea– your whole body will thank you! 

During your appointment with Dr. Lee, explain any sleep apnea symptoms that you have. She can recommend a sleep specialist, then they can work together to create a treatment plan that works best for you. Don’t wait any longer– call us today at (404) 328-7177 to schedule your appointment.