If you snore excessively at night or wake frequently, you probably do not sleep soundly, which may be due to an underlying condition known as sleep apnea. This disorder is not only decreasing your quality of life, but creating quite the stir throughout the United States. It causes numerous interruptions in breathing frequently throughout the night as the air passages collapse, causing an obstruction. If you do not get treatment for sleep apnea in Fort Worth, you are not only compromising your quality of life, but your safety as well.
Complications of Sleep Apnea
Often, it is believed that sleep apnea will only affect your daily life, as you feel tired and suffer from mood swings. However, leaving the condition untreated has far more serious consequences. The lack of proper oxygen places a significant strain on your heart, increasing your risk for heart attack and stroke as you can develop cardiovascular disease. However, the dangerous complications do not stop there.
Over time, sleep deprivation can occur. As this takes place, your cognitive abilities decline. In addition to depression and irritability, you develop an increased risk for auto and work place accidents. As a result, you not only place your life at risk, but the lives of others as well.
Accidents Related to Sleep Apnea
According to a study published in the journal Sleep, those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea are 2.5 times more likely to cause an auto accident when compared to those without the sleep disorder. This is due to an increased occurrence of daytime sleepiness, which has now been classified as a public health epidemic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to recent research, 40% of people surveyed admit to unintentionally falling asleep at the wheel in just a one-month time span. A 2010 study found that those with 20 to 25 hours of sleep loss has the same deprived cognitive abilities as those who had a blood-alcohol concentration of .10.
With an estimated 22 million Americans suffering from the sleep disorder and another one-third undiagnosed, it is essential for awareness to be raised about the risks of the condition. To protect yourself and the lives of others, it is vital to seek sleep apnea therapy in Fort Worth is you suspect that your sleepiness is due to the disorder.
Treating Sleep Apnea
Now, there are several options available for treating the condition. A CPAP machine can be worn while you sleep, which delivers a steady stream of air through the mouth or nose to keep the airways open. In addition, a custom-fit oral appliance can be worn to reposition the jaw forward to prevent an obstruction in the airway.
If you suspect that you have the condition, do not wait to contact your physician for a sleep study.
About Dr. Renee Corbitt
Dr. Renee Corbitt provides comprehensive dental services for patients of all ages. Due to her exceptional qualifications, she provides many areas of specialized care, including the treatment of sleep apnea. If you suspect that you have the disorder, contact her office to schedule a consultation.