05/03/2017 14:13
A sleep apnea diagnosis has a lot of moving parts, and it can be hard to separate cause and effect. For instance, obesity is a common factor in sleep apnea. But sleep apnea can also lead to weight gain, which is related to the fatigue caused by sleep apnea. You may not realize it right away, but multiple wakeups per night due to apneic episodes are potentially very harmful to your metabolism and general sense of well-being.
Mood and anxiety are also at risk in those with sleep apnea. Long-term sleep deprivation creates a sense of dread around the act of sleep and even in waking hours. Irritability and a decreased attention span could impact your work or school performance. Last but not least, our sleep apnea dentist in Northridge says, sleep apnea sufferers often cite a decrease in libido.
In more technical terms, waking up constantly interrupts your circadian rhythms which can then interrupt the body’s melatonin production. And did you know your brain has waste removal? It’s called the glymphatic system, and it can only do its job during deep sleep.
For more about the health risks of sleep apnea, contact our Northridge dentist today.
