Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. It causes people to repeatedly stop and start breathing while sleeping. Unfortunately, this disorder can cause more than just restless nights. New research has revealed that rates of cancer are higher among females with sleep apnea. Luckily, your dentist can save your life with sleep apnea treatment! Continue reading to learn more.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or sleep apnea, is a disorder where a person experiences short and repeated interruptions of breathing while sleeping. Usually, this condition results from the inability of the throat muscles to keep the airway open. It often causes disturbed, fragmented sleep and leads to insufficiency of oxygen. The most noticeable signs of sleep apnea are loud snoring, disrupted sleep, and excessive tiredness. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), this disorder affects 5-20% of adults in the United States. However, the NSF suggests that the actual percentage of people with it is much greater.
The Link Between Cancer and Sleep Apnea
Recent studies show that low blood oxygen levels during the night and disrupted sleep may play an important role in the biology of different types of cancers. Also, researchers found that cancer was more common among women than men, even after factors like age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and alcohol consumption were considered. Results suggest that the risk of cancer is two to three times higher in females with severe symptoms of sleep apnea. However, the study can’t prove that the sleep disorder causes cancer – only that there’s an association between the two. Although there is growing evidence showing a link between sleep apnea and cancer, it still remains under investigation.
How Sleep Apnea Treatment Can Save Your Life
As mentioned earlier, most people with obstructive sleep apnea experience symptoms like chronic snoring, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and even sleep deprivation. Although these problems may only seem bothersome, they can cause your health to decline over time. Your chances of developing heart attack, stroke, or even cancer are much higher. Luckily, your dentist offers two solutions lower your risk and help you sleep peacefully once again.
- Oral Appliance Therapy – The two most common oral sleep appliances prescribed for sleep apnea treatment is mandibular repositioning devices and tongue retaining devices. Both options are custom fit to your mouth, providing results that can transform your health and overall quality of life.
- CPAP Therapy – The CPAP method involves using a breathing device that keeps your airway open throughout the night with the help of pressurized air. It’s considered the most ideal treatment to combat sleep apnea, helping patients breathe and sleep deeply.
If you struggle with sleep apnea, talk to your dentist about treatment. With the right solution, you can get a good night’s sleep while keeping cancer and other medical problems away!
About the Author
Dr. Pamela West earned her dental doctorate at the University of Southern California Dental School. Since graduating, she has attended numerous hours of continuing education courses every year to provide her patients with the best treatment possible. If you’re struggling with sleep apnea, Dr. West can help you find an effective treatment that will improve your overall health and quality of life. Visit our website or call (702) 844-6226 to schedule an appointment.