What are the health risks of OSA?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) presents a major threat to body health. A person with OSA literally stops breathing multiple times while asleep.
Loud snoring that typically occurs with OSA is also disruptive for a sleep partner, which can affect their health and your relationship.
The lack of restful sleep, combined with reduced oxygen supply, can contribute to a number of health problems, including:
- High blood pressure
- Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Daytime drowsiness
- Inability to focus
- Depression
- Complications with general anesthesia and surgery due to breathing problems
- Stroke
Drowsy Driving
Daytime drowsiness caused by sleep apnea slows reaction times and is a significant hazard while driving a car or operating heavy equipment. Drowsy driving accidents have been compared to drunk driving in terms of the number of crashes each year, related injuries and deaths. (sleepfoundation.org)
Are You at Risk?
If you snore frequently or experience daytime drowsiness, your sleep health may need a check-up. Take our Sleep Quiz and share your results with your physician or our team to find out if you should be evaluated for obstructive sleep apnea.
Learn more about Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Visit the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine website:
Sleep Medicine Dentist in Macon
Dr. Leigh Bennett and the Hartley Bridge TMJ & Dental Sleep Center Team assist OSA patients with treatment alternatives for CPAP. Please Contact Us for more information or to schedule a New Patient Consultation.