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It is estimated that nearly 22 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Of those millions, only about 20% of them seek out treatment or are even aware that they suffer from it. While sleep apnea can affect anyone, male patients make up over 60% of reported cases. With the increased risk for men, it’s important to know the dangers and why you should get help from our sleep apnea dentist in 21061.
Symptoms
●General Fatigue-
Everyone has sleepy days, but constant, overwhelming fatigue is a common symptom of sleep apnea in men. Irregular breathing patterns during the night can cause poor sleep quality and leave you feeling exhausted during the day.
●Loud Snoring-
Sleep apnea-related snoring is loud, persistent and irregular. You may snore so loudly that you wake yourself up, if your sleeping partner doesn’t wake you first. Silent moments aren’t necessarily any better, as they mean you may not be breathing at all.
●Morning Headaches-
If you find yourself experiencing intense headaches in the morning that fade away as the day goes on, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. As you struggle to breathe during the night, your brain can become starved for oxygen, resulting in a headache. As you resume your normal breathing patterns during the day, your oxygen levels increase and the pain goes away.
Risky Business
Now that we all know some of the symptoms of sleep apnea, it may seem like a minor inconvenience at most. Here are a few major ways that sleep apnea can impact your health.
- Hypoxia at night is known to cause a decreased testosterone level, low sperm count, and erectile dysfunction.
2. Sleep apnea can increase blood pressure and your risk of heart disease, the number one cause of death for men in the United States.
3. More than 40 percent of people with sleep apnea show symptoms of depression.
None of these dangerous effects should be ignored. Men of every age, regardless of their health, can experience the symptoms of sleep apnea. Contact our sleep apnea clinic in Glen Burnie, MD to schedule your appointment for a sleep apnea evaluation.
