How Sleep Disordered Breathing Affects Your Health

Sleep is a fundamental aspect of our lives, crucial for physical and mental well-being. However, various sleep disorders can disrupt our sleep patterns and have a profound impact on our health. One such disorder is sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), a group of conditions characterized by abnormalities in breathing during sleep. Here is how sleep-disordered breathing affects your health and why it’s essential to address these issues promptly with medical and dental treatments.

Understanding Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Sleep-disordered breathing encompasses a range of conditions, with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) being the most common. In OSA, the upper airway partially or completely collapses, causing pauses in breathing during sleep. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is another form of SDB, where the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. Complex sleep apnea syndrome, also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, combines both OSA and CSA.

The Health Implications of SDB

When you are not breathing correctly during sleep, you are not getting the rest your body needs. It can put excess stress on your cardiovascular, nervous and other systems in the body. Some of the health concerns connected to SDB include:

• Daytime Fatigue: One of the most immediate and noticeable effects of SDB is daytime fatigue. Frequent awakenings throughout the night, caused by interrupted breathing, prevent individuals from reaching deep, restorative sleep. Consequently, they wake up tired and groggy, leading to reduced productivity and increased accident risk.
• Cardiovascular Issues: SDB is strongly associated with cardiovascular problems, including hypertension (high blood pressure), coronary artery disease, and heart failure. The intermittent oxygen deprivation and increased stress on the cardiovascular system during episodes of interrupted breathing can contribute to these conditions.
• Metabolic Consequences: Individuals with SDB are at a higher risk of developing metabolic issues, such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Poor sleep quality and disrupted circadian rhythms can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate glucose levels, leading to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.
• Obesity: There is a bidirectional relationship between SDB and obesity. Excess weight, especially around the neck and throat, can increase the likelihood of airway obstruction during sleep. On the other hand, SDB can contribute to weight gain due to hormonal imbalances and increased appetite.
• Mood and Mental Health: SDB can significantly impact mental health, leading to mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Sleep disturbances and the resulting fatigue can exacerbate or even trigger existing mental health conditions.
• Decreased Cognitive Function: Cognitive impairments are common in individuals with SDB. Disrupted sleep patterns result in poor concentration, memory problems, and decreased cognitive function.
• Reduced Quality of Life: SDB can diminish overall quality of life. It can lead to relationship problems, as loud snoring and frequent nighttime awakenings can disrupt bed partners’ sleep. Additionally, it can affect a person’s ability to engage in social activities and enjoy hobbies due to persistent fatigue and low energy levels.

Diagnosis and Treatment for SDB

Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing SDB and mitigating its health impacts. Many doctors will recommend a comprehensive diagnosis, often involving a sleep study at home or in a sleep clinic, to monitor breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other sleep-related parameters. A dental examination is also important – many cases of SBD are caused by jaw position, which impacts nocturnal breathing.

Treatment options for SDB vary depending on the severity and underlying cause. Traditional SBD treatments can include lifestyle changes like weight loss, oral appliances and CPAP therapy. At Southern California TMJ and Sleep Center, we offer innovative treatments for SBD, TMJ and obstructive sleep apnea that do not require invasive methods to open the airway and improve sleep quality for better health.

Left untreated, sleep-disordered breathing can have serious and far-reaching consequences on your health and overall quality of life. Addressing these issues can lead to better sleep, improved health, and enhanced well-being. To learn more about SBD treatment without CPAP or more invasive methods, contact the Southern California TMJ and Sleep Center nearest you to schedule a consultation with Bob Perkins, DDS.