Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that affects millions of Americans, and it can have profound effects on your body’s systems. Unfortunately, many of the symptoms of sleep apnea are often mistaken for stress or side-effects of overwork, leading to many patients who suffer without knowing there is a treatable medical issue at the heart of their symptoms. Exploring the possibility that you have this sleep apnea means understanding the symptoms and the effects it can have on your body.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

• Bruxism (teeth grinding during sleep)
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Lack of rest during sleep
• Restless limbs
• Anxiety

If you have two or more of the symptoms on this list you should talk to our dentists in Cornelius, NC, Dr. Steven White and Dr. Brad Haines, about treatment for sleep apnea. There are orthodontic treatment options for patients with minor symptoms, and in more extreme cases, it’s really important to know how to approach the individual sleep apnea treatment.

Effects of Sleep Apnea

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to dangerously high blood pressure, and with that comes heart disease, increased risk of stroke, and other common conditions associated with increased cardiovascular pressure. Other effects include:

• Increased chances of periodontal disease (gum disease)
• Anxiety-related disorders
• Mental and emotional symptoms from prolonged low sleep
• Long-term fatigue can lead to chronic pain and even the formation of stress disorders
• Digestive disorders and weight gain/loss from extended sleep disruption

Don’t wait to get sleep apnea treatment if you suspect you have this condition. It is so easy to detect and treat when patients know to look for it, and the effects of ignoring the symptoms are so profound and affect so many parts of the body in serious ways.

Contact Us

Make an appointment for a consultation today if you’re experiencing sleep apnea in Cornelius, NC. Our associates can set you up with an appointment with our dentists, Dr. Haines or Dr. White, and they will be happy to answer any questions you have about what you will need for that first appointment. Once you know there’s a problem, you know it will only get better once you treat it. Call our office at (704) 274-1561 or make an appointment online today!