Sleep apnea, often related to structural abnormalities in the nose and throat, is well-known for causing restless sleep and loud snoring. However, it also increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
That’s why our services at Jacksonville ENT Surgery in Jacksonville and Lake City, Florida, include diagnosing and treating the underlying cause of chronic snoring and sleep apnea.
Here’s what to watch for and why taking action matters.
Most folks with sleep apnea snore. However, there are other, often surprising symptoms related to sleep apnea that deserve your attention:
Waking up with dull, throbbing, or achy headaches is a common, often overlooked symptom caused by low blood oxygen levels at night.
If you’re “always tired,” even after what you consider a full night’s sleep, you may be struggling with sleep apnea.
Although you’re not always aware, sleep apnea causes pauses in breathing and brief awakenings throughout the night.
This prevents your body and brain from obtaining the 7-8 hours of restful sleep required for healthy daytime function.
Adults may struggle to complete work and social obligations. Children and teens with sleep apnea may experience behavioral problems or other issues that affect school performance.
Interrupted sleep impacts your mood, leading to unexplained irritability or feelings of depression.
Several research studies have linked sleep apnea to urological dysfunctions like overactive bladder and nocturia.
Scientists believe that sleep apnea triggers increased production of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a hormone that causes increased nighttime urination.
Breathing through your mouth, another common symptom of sleep apnea, causes dry mucous membranes in the mouth and throat.
Ongoing dry mouth can eventually increase your risk of plaque buildup, dental decay, and other oral health issues.
Cognitive symptoms, like forgetfulness or trouble concentrating, are often linked to insufficient restorative sleep.
High blood pressure (hypertension) linked to sleep apnea is often treatment-resistant. Poorly managed blood pressure causes damage to arteries and veins, increasing your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, and other serious health conditions.
Undiagnosed sleep apnea can impact sleep, daytime alertness, and overall health. Complications include:
Drops in oxygen levels during apneic episodes strain the cardiovascular system, elevating the risks of heart attacks and irregular heart rhythms (atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias).
Sleep apnea’s impact on blood oxygen levels and cardiovascular health can double your risk of stroke.
Untreated sleep apnea is linked to elevated cholesterol, unexplained weight gain, insulin resistance, and Type 2 diabetes.
Sleep apnea increases your risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and impaired liver function.
Our ENT specialists start with a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of chronic snoring and sleep apnea, ranging from enlarged tonsils or adenoids to chronic allergy-driven nasal congestion to excess weight.
Comprehensive treatment strategies include healthy lifestyle habits (i.e., smoking cessation, weight loss, etc.), medications, or nasal/throat surgery to address underlying structural issues causing airway obstruction.
Schedule an evaluation today by calling Jacksonville ENT Surgery or requesting an appointment online.
