Sleep apnea is a medical condition that’s caused by an obstruction in the airway which makes the patient stop breathing several times each night while they’re sleeping. This results in a significant drop in the patient’s blood oxygen level, a condition that’s been linked to a number of serious medical issues that threaten your health.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include heavy snoring, daytimes drowsiness, impaired mental function, anxiety, and depression.
If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone you love, call 979-846-6515 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Reece in Bryan. He’ll make sure you get the right diagnosis and treatment for your sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea and Your Circulatory System
Your circulatory system includes your heart, lungs, veins, arteries, and all the other organs and tissue involved in distributing healthy oxygen throughout your body. By limiting the amount of oxygen in your blood, sleep apnea puts a serious strain on your circulatory system, especially your heart.
With less oxygen in your bloodstream, your heart has to work harder. This increases your risk for strokes, heart attacks, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Sleep apnea also contributes to respiratory ailments such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Sleep Apnea and Weight Gain
Sleep apnea makes it more difficult to lose weight because it slows down your metabolism, restricting your body’s natural ability to burn off calories. The daytime fatigue associated with sleep apnea makes patients less able and motivated to work out, which further inhibits your metabolism.
Sleep apnea also contributes to weight gain by causing your body to retain a chemical called ghrelin, which encourages you to crave carbohydrates. The weight gain that commonly results from sleep apnea puts patients at greater risk for developing diabetes.
Your Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
Dr. Reece features effective treatments for sleep apnea, including the MicrO2 oral appliance from ProSomnus. An oral appliance is a small device that keeps the airway open while you sleep by gently repositioning your lower jaw.
Many of our patients find oral appliances easier to use and less restrictive than a CPAP machine. Call today to learn more.