Book your checkup with Dr. Proscia every 6 months!
(239) 494-4574
Blog

The Dangers of Sleep Apnea to the Health

Proscia Dental
You can trust your smile to our experts! Book now to receive the quality care you deserve.
BY Proscia Dental

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that needs immediate treatment. The disorder causes people to repeatedly stop breathing during their sleep, which makes it dangerous. Loud snoring and feeling tired in the morning even after a full night’s sleep, is an indication that a person might be suffering from sleep apnea without them knowing.

Sleep apnea has two types, namely:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

The more common type of sleep apnea, this condition occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep, causing a blockage of the airway.

Central sleep apnea

Central sleep apnea usually occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. The person is awakened with shortness of breath or is having difficulty in getting to sleep or staying asleep.

Sleep apnea is a serious sleeping condition that may affect or cause complications to one’s health. These complications may include:

High blood pressure or heart problems

Repeated stops in breathing during sleep may result in sudden drops in blood oxygen levels, increasing blood pressure, and strain the cardiovascular system. Obstructive sleep apnea also increases the risk of a person to high blood pressure and other heart problems like heart attack, stroke, abnormal heartbeats, and more.

Daytime fatigue

Sleep apnea causes repeated awakenings, almost making sleep impossible; this can result in severe daytime drowsiness, fatigue, and irritability. People with sleep apnea tend to have difficulty concentrating and may even fall asleep at work or worse when driving. Sleep apnea can occur in both children and adults, causing them to perform poorly in school or have behavior problems.

Liver problems

People suffering from sleep apnea may have abnormal results on their liver function tests. Signs of scarring on their liver are more likely to show.

Type 2 diabetes

People with sleep apnea are at risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome often includes high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, high blood sugar levels, and increased waist circumference—these health conditions are linked to a higher risk of heart disease.

Complications with medications and surgery

Usually, obstructive sleep apnea poses a concern with certain medications and general anesthesia. People suffering from sleep apnea might experience complications after major surgery. The reason is that they are prone to breathing problems, especially when they are sedated and are lying flat on their backs.


If you’re suffering from a sleep disorder that causes breathing pauses, then it may be Sleep Apnea! Book your appointment immediately at Proscia Dental for our Sleep Apnea Treatment in Bonita Springs, FL. You can visit us at 9136 Bonita Beach Rd. SE, Bonita Springs, FL 34135.

Related Articles