Does your partner complain of your snoring throughout the night? It may be hindering their needed rest, but you might also be waking up more tired than before! These are a couple of signs of sleep apnea, which people often mistake for bedtime annoyances. However, despite being a sleep disorder, it can very well affect your heart! Keep reading to learn what you should know.
What Exactly is Sleep Apnea?
In short, this condition is when you stop breathing for multiple episodes a night for about 10 seconds or longer. When this happens, your fight-or-flight response activates, and you wake up to resume regular breathing. The most common form of it is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where your throat muscles relax and block your airways. There is also central sleep apnea (CSA), in which your brain doesn’t send the signals to control your breathing.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Your Heart?
Recent research has shown a link between cardiovascular health and sleep apnea. While a direct connection hasn’t been made, the latter condition might worsen any existing problems you have. With OSA, you likely aren’t getting enough oxygen during the night, which makes your heart work harder to deliver it across your body.
When your fight-or-flight response gets triggered, this response releases adrenaline. Although it can be helpful in some situations, too much of it can elevate your blood pressure and damage your blood vessels. You might develop chronic high blood pressure. Additionally, sleep apnea may cause irregular heart rhythms that can lead to cardiac arrest.
What Are the Signs of Sleep Apnea?
To help you get the restful nights you deserve and to protect your heart, it might be a good idea to learn the symptoms of sleep apnea. That way, you can get the treatment you need to stay healthy. Here are some common signs of this condition:
- Frequent or loud snoring
- Fatigue
- Exhausted during the daytime
- You wake up short of breath
- You have issues with your memory or concentration
If you have any of the signs above, then it might be best to get a sleep test. By partnering with your dentist, they can help give you the resources you need to get a diagnosis and then the treatment you deserve! Many people find success with an oral appliance that shifts how your jaw sits, allowing you to keep your airways open through the night. In the end, you’ll be able to get the restful sleep that you deserve.
About the Author
Dr. Daniel Weldon earned his dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. As a proud member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, he understands the importance of treating OSA. Through an oral appliance, you can help get the solution you need to have smooth nights. If you tend to snore throughout the night, schedule an appointment or call his office at (352) 622-3236.