1S443 Summit Ave, Ste 307 | Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 (630) 620-8300 dr.noto@gallerydentalofoakbrook.com

Do you wake up feeling tired and sluggish? Do you have trouble concentrating during the day? Does your family frequently complain that your loud snoring keeps them up all night? If so, then you might have sleep apnea. Luckily, sleep apnea treatment is well within your reach at our Oakbrook Terrace, IL, general dentistry center.

At Gallery Dental of Oakbrook, Dr. Peter Noto and his dedicated team understand how frustrating living with a sleep disorder can be. That’s why we provide life-changing, non-invasive sleep apnea treatments. If you’re ready to start getting better sleep, call us at 630-620-8300 or request an appointment online.

Are you unsure if sleep apnea treatment is worth your while? Keep reading—we’ll tell you how untreated sleep apnea can take a toll on your health.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Defined

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep condition in which the mouth, throat, and neck muscles relax so much that they block normal airflow. This blockage can create a slew of symptoms, including:

  • Loud snoring
  • Difficulty breathing or intermittent breathing during sleep
  • Waking up and gasping for air
  • Headaches
  • Excessive daytime drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Depression and anxiety
  • High blood pressure

 

OSA is the most common sleep disorder, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine believes that approximately 25 million American adults suffer from the condition. Without proper treatment, OSA can lead to serious systemic health issues.

The Hidden Consequences of Untreated OSA

The little-known side effects of untreated OSA can significantly impact your life. Here, we’ll address some of the physical, mental, and behavioral side effects of untreated OSA.

Physical Side Effects

When we stop breathing during sleep, our heart rate accelerates. This is the body’s way of trying to wake us up so we can start breathing again. When this happens several times a night, it can lead to high blood pressure, which increases the risk of developing dangerous health conditions, such as:

  • Heart disease
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Glaucoma
  • Pregnancy complications

Untreated sleep apnea has a domino effect on our physical health. Once one symptom appears, it’s not long before it causes another and another. Eventually, sleep apnea can lead to many chronic conditions that make daily life more challenging.

Mental Side Effects

Untreated OSA puts patients at greater risk of developing neurocognitive and mood problems, including:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Trouble concentrating or getting motivated
  • Poor memory
  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Low sex drive
  • Depression and anxiety

These side effects are just as harmful as the physical side effects. Indeed, when the mental side effects of OSA are ignored, it can have profound effects on our behavior health, too.

Behavioral Side Effects

The mental and physical side effects of untreated sleep apnea can lead to a significant change in our behavior, such as:

  • Isolating oneself to avoid embarrassment
  • Sleeping apart from one’s partner or family
  • Seeking unhealthy coping mechanisms, like drug and alcohol consumption
  • Avoiding overnight social engagements

Sleep apnea may make patients feel alone, embarrassed, and frustrated without proper treatment.

Talk about Sleep Apnea Treatment with Our Dentist Today

Looking for innovative and comfortable sleep apnea treatment, then look no further than our skilled Oakbrook Terrace, IL, general dentist. Dr. Noto and his compassionate team will work diligently to help you get the peaceful rest you deserve. Call us now at 630-620-8300 or request an appointment online here.