Adult Sleep Health

The connection between sleep health and overall well-being has long been acknowledged by the medical field, but many of our patients do not realize the extent of this connection when first pursuing help from medical professionals for their sleep-related difficulties. At Arvada West Dental Care, our dentist, Dr. Jeffrey T. Lodl, can not only help you find solutions to sleep disordered breathing but also help you understand how these problems may be impacting your life in unexpected ways. To learn more and schedule a sleep consultation in Arvada, Colorado, reach out to our team at 303-424-0767 or stop by our office today.
 

Understanding the Impact of Bad Sleep

The ramifications of bad sleep on your overall health cannot be underestimated. Left untreated, sleep breathing disorders can contribute to a myriad of mild to severe medical complications, and we strongly urge each of our patients to prioritize their sleep health by promptly scheduling an appointment with their physician or a specialized sleep expert if they experience any symptoms associated with sleep apnea. Seeking timely care is paramount to ensure you receive the necessary attention and treatment to curb the negative effects of sleep apnea and other breathing disorders on your overall health.

It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of sleep apnea. These may include:

• Regular and pronounced snoring
• Gasping or choking noises during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Insomnia
• Frequent headaches
• Waking up with a dry or sore throat

Snoring & Sleep Apnea

Snoring is a nuisance for snorers and their partners alike, but it can also be an indicator of underlying conditions. Since snoring is typically a result of airway obstruction during sleep (the same issue that causes sleep apnea) or a respiratory issue, many people experience an increase in snoring when they have a cold or hay fever. Like sleep apnea, snoring almost always leads to a decreased heart rate and fluctuations in blood oxygen levels during sleep, which can lead to hypertension and high blood pressure. If friends or family members have told you that you snore in your sleep, or if you have noticed this occurrence in a family member, we encourage you to seek out professional help and testing in order to improve the quality of your sleep.
 

Sleep Breathing Disorders & Overall Health

Individuals grappling with sleep apnea face an increased risk of developing a range of physical and psychological conditions or exasperating conditions which already exist. Sleep breathing disorders can be contributing factor in:

• Atrial Fibrillation
• Central nervous system impairments
• Compromised immune systems
• Digestive system issues
• Hormonal imbalances
• Liver complications
• Weight gain
• Impaired memory or difficulty concentrating
• Anxiety and depression
• Type 2 diabetes
• Impaired balance
• Excessive daytime drowsiness
• Cardiovascular Disease including Heart
  Attacks, High Blood Pressure and Strokes
• Is correlated with Alzheimers and Dementia, Breast cancer, Prostate
  cancer and Colon Cancer

The sleep deficiency resulting from sleep apnea has gained global recognition as a pressing problem and a public health epidemic, acknowledged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The repercussions of sleep deprivation encompass not only an increased likelihood of motor vehicle and occupational accidents but also difficulties in executing daily tasks and maintaining a healthy quality of life. Daily productivity may suffer due to the lack of adequate sleep.

To expand your understanding of sleep apnea and its implications for your health or to schedule a consultation with our esteemed dentist, we encourage you to contact our office promptly. Your well-being is of utmost importance, and we are dedicated to providing the information and care you need to prioritize your health.