Loading ...Health WarningsDangers of Sleep Apnea!
Sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing stops for more than 10 seconds during sleep, can cause more damage to your health than just lost and restless sleep. Constant gaps in breathing, sometimes as many as 30 per hour, can create elevated blood pressure levels and increase your resting heart rate.
According to a 14-year study conducted by epidemiologists at the University of Wisconsin which evaluated 1522 healthy state workers averaging 50 years of age, as many as 365 (24%) were diagnosed with sleep apnea, and 63 of them had severe conditions.1
A review of death certificates indicated that, “over time, those with severe sleep apnea were more likely to die earlier than those without.”Contributing factors such as being obese seems to increase the likelihood of sleep apnea. This is due to increased fatty and soft airways that are more easily collapsed. Large tonsils and tongues, tight throat muscles, and a history of smoking are also risk factors.
Although sleep apnea is not usually fatal on its own, when combined with heart problems and chronic inflammation, it can increase the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and elevated stress hormones.
If you suffer from sleep apnea there are several non-surgical options available such as oxygen masks or anti-apnea dental devices which are worn at night while sleeping.
Reference
- Science News, July 31, 2008
[Ed. Note: Dr. Joseph R. Simaie is an Implant, Cosmetic, and Restorative dentist, in Beverly Hills, CA. In addition to restoring smiles, his office is on the forefront of researching and practicing preventive dentistry. Dr. Simaie is an assistant clinical professor at USC School of Dentistry in Los Angeles. He is also a clinical evaluator for a major dental manufacture and serves on the boards of several dental organizations. You can reach Dr. Simaie with your questions or comments at DrSimaie@gmail.com.]
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It’s pretty shocking that almost a quarter of those tested had sleep apnea. I would be willing to bet that most people who have sleep apnea in the general population go undiagnosed throughout their entire lives.
Entered: June 11th, 2009 at 4:23 am. PermalinkI was +do to get surgery on my right shoulder and the anisteatiologist said no if I have sleep apnea I was tested for it but to early for the diegnosis could this be a problem if they were to operate? What kind of adverse problems would this bring up?
Entered: June 11th, 2009 at 12:52 pm. Permalink