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When it comes to discussions about leading a healthy lifestyle, matters like diet and exercise come up a lot. Certainly, those things are important. However, you should not make the mistake of overlooking sleep quantity and quality as a major contributor to your overall wellness. In fact, treating disorders like sleep apnea could be a matter of life and death! This blog post explains some important points that you should keep in mind.
How Sleep Apnea Can Lead to Early Death
Sleep apnea does not usually cause death. However, if you leave it untreated, it can place repeated stress on your body night after night. Each breathing pause can reduce your oxygen level and disrupt the deep, restorative rest that your body needs. As those effects add up, your heart, blood vessels, and metabolism can suffer in profound ways. Over time, that strain can raise your risk of serious health problems that may shorten your lifespan. For example, sleep apnea is associated with:
- High blood pressure, heart disease, and heart attack
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes and related complications
A lack of high-quality sleep can also impact lifestyle choices that affect health. For example, when you are overly tired, you are less likely to focus on things like healthy eating, getting enough physical activity, and managing your emotional health.
Plus, sleep apnea can make it difficult for you to concentrate and react quickly in dangerous situations. As a result, you are more likely to be involved in an accident that could cause serious injuries or even death.
Seek Treatment to Protect Your Longevity
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, there is no need to despair. The good news is that effective treatment can help protect your health and quality of life.
For many patients, oral appliance therapy offers a comfortable and practical solution. A custom oral appliance keeps your airway open as you sleep by placing your jaw in a position that supports better airflow. With consistent use, it can allow your body to get the restorative sleep it needs to function at its best.
If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, you should seek a professional evaluation as soon as possible. Timely care can help you protect your heart, support your energy level, and lower your risk of life-threatening complications in the years ahead.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Ivan Paskalev is a highly skilled sleep dentist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. Under his leadership, our team is proud to offer high-quality oral appliance therapy to patients with sleep apnea. If you are concerned about the quality or quantity of your nightly sleep, we can guide you on your next steps. To request a consultation or learn more about us, contact College Hill Dental in Eugene at 541-485-0272.