Sleep disorders cause all sorts of problems, and are more common than most people realize. Dr. Jennifer J. Cornell, DDS, at Dental Sleep and TMJ Solutions of Clarksville has answers to some of the questions that come up about the conditions preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep.

Question: I have sleep apnea, but it’s just mild. Do I need treat it? What could happen if I don’t?

Answer: Choosing not to treat mild sleep apnea can lead to a range of short-term and long-term health issues. While mild sleep apnea might not seem immediately severe, its untreated state can gradually contribute to various problems:

Short-term effects

  • Daytime fatigue and sleepiness: Even mild sleep apnea can disrupt your sleep cycles, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness, which can affect your concentration, productivity, and overall quality of life.
  • Cognitive impairment: Lack of proper sleep can impact your memory, attention, and decision-making abilities.
  • Mood changes: Irritability, depression, and anxiety can be exacerbated by poor sleep quality.

Long-term effects

  • Cardiovascular problems: Sleep apnea can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and arrhythmias. Repeated drops in blood oxygen levels during sleep put strain on the cardiovascular system.
  • Metabolic disorders: There is a higher risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes due to the effects of poor sleep on the body’s metabolism.
  • Weight gain: Poor sleep can lead to weight gain and obesity, which in turn can worsen sleep apnea, creating a vicious cycle.
  • Impaired immune function: Chronic sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
  • Reduced quality of life: Persistent fatigue and sleep disturbances can negatively impact your social, professional, and personal life.

Safety risks

  • Accidents: Increased daytime sleepiness can lead to a higher risk of motor vehicle accidents and workplace injuries.

Other health issues

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): There is a higher incidence of GERD in individuals with untreated sleep apnea.
  • Liver problems: Fatty liver disease and other liver function issues can be associated with sleep apnea.

Relationship strain

  • Snoring: Loud snoring can disrupt your partner’s sleep, causing strain in relationships.

It’s essential to monitor your condition and discuss potential treatment options with a healthcare provider. Even lifestyle changes such as weight loss, changes in sleep position, and avoiding alcohol before bed can help manage mild sleep apnea. For some individuals, using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, oral appliances, or other treatments may be recommended.

Regular follow-ups and possibly a sleep study may also be necessary to ensure your condition is managed effectively. At Dental Sleep & TMJ Solutions of Clarksville, we fit patients with custom oral appliances and titrate them over a short period of time to help overcome symptoms, sometimes they were not even aware of, of mild, mild-moderate sleep apnea. We can help you, a loved one or a friend achieve a healthy, peaceful, restful night sleep!

Jennifer J. Cornell, DDS, is a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. For more, visit the Dental Sleep and TMJ Solutions of Clarksville website or call 931-645-8000.