What Changes Does Sleep Apnea Cause in Our Body?

Mar 13, 2024

INSIGHTS,HEALTH

Sleep apnea is a common disorder that can affect anyone, but certain factors increase the risk of developing it.

Did you know that approximately 26% of adults in the United States experience sleep apnea? This condition, marked by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, can have a profound impact on your overall health and well-being. Let's delve into the ways sleep apnea affects your body, and how you can manage it for a better quality of life.

Why Might I Have Sleep Apnea?

Obesity: Excess weight can contribute to sleep apnea by narrowing the airway.
Large neck circumference: A larger neck circumference can also increase the risk of sleep apnea.
Family history: Having a family member with sleep apnea increases your risk of developing the condition.
Nasal congestion: This can contribute to sleep apnea by making it harder to breathe through your nose.
Certain facial features: A small jaw or a recessed chin can narrow the airway and increase the risk of sleep apnea.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as heart failure and hypothyroidism, can increase the risk of sleep apnea.

The Impacts of Sleep Apnea on Your Body

Sleep apnea is a sleep problem where you stop breathing for short periods while you sleep. This can cause several health issues:

Bad Sleep and Feeling Tired: Sleep apnea interrupts your deep sleep, making you feel tired and not rested during the day.

Pressure on the Heart: Your heart has to work harder because of the drops in oxygen levels during sleep apnea. This can lead to:

High blood pressure: Sleep apnea can make high blood pressure worse or even cause it.
Irregular heartbeats: It can increase the risk of irregular heart rhythms, like atrial fibrillation. This can lead to a stroke.
Heart failure: In severe cases, sleep apnea can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure.

Metabolism Problems: Sleep apnea can mess with hormones that control how your body uses insulin and how hungry you feel. This can lead to:

Higher risk of type 2 diabetes: Sleep apnea can make it harder for your body to use insulin, increasing the risk of diabetes.
Weight gain: Sleep apnea can make you feel hungrier and lead to weight gain.

Other Issues: Sleep apnea is also linked to:

Headaches
Mood changes and disorders, like depression and anxiety
Trouble with memory and thinking
Problems with sexual function
Stroke

Not everyone with sleep apnea will have all these problems. If you think you might have sleep apnea, it's important to see a doctor for evaluation.

How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Dental and Oral Health

Sleep apnea doesn't just affect your overall health; it can also cause problems in your mouth. Here's how it can impact your dental and oral health:

Dry Mouth: Sleep apnea can lead to dry mouth. Therefore this increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease because saliva helps protect your teeth and gums.
Increased Acidity: Sleep apnea can make your mouth more acidic. This can also contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
TMJ Disorders: Sleep apnea may be linked to jaw joint problems. Becasue it can cause jaw pain and difficulty moving your jaw.
Other Issues: Sleep apnea might also cause bad breath and increase the risk of fungal infections in the mouth.

Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes

Treatment for sleep apnea may include lifestyle changes. These are such as weight loss, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment that helps keep the airway open during sleep.

You can read our "Healthy Tips for Sleeping Better with Sleep Apnea" guide to learn more about additional healthy tips and treatment options!

Which Countries Offer the Best Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Some countries are well-known for their progress in sleep medicine. In addition, they offer thorough care for people with sleep apnea. Here are a few examples:

Country	Considerations
United States	Extensive sleep medicine infrastructure, wide range of treatment options (CPAP, oral appliances, surgery)
Germany	Strong emphasis on preventative healthcare, advanced surgical techniques available
Canada	Universal healthcare coverage for sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, various treatment options (CPAP, oral appliances)
Australia	Focus on patient education and self-management, various treatment options (CPAP, oral appliances)
Japan	Growing sleep medicine field with research focus, diverse treatment options including minimally invasive surgery

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top 5 doctors & clinics in Sleep Apnea:

Dr. Hayati Kale
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5.0
Turkey, İstanbul
Ear Nose And Throat
Dr. Kale was born in Ankara, Turkey and attended Ankara Binnaz Rıdvan Ege Anatolian High School for his high school education. He began his medical studies at Konya Meram Medical Faculty and was selected for the Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Department after successfully passing the TUS (Medical Specialty Exam in Turkey). He believes this field to be a perfect blend of science, art, and surgery.After completing his residency at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, he fulfilled his mandatory service at Ankara Sami Ulus Training and Research Hospital. Dr. Kale also served as an academician at the Biruni University ENT Department, educating medical faculty students while working at Istanbul Bahçelievler Medicana Hospital.Currently, Dr. Kale is the founder and active practitioner at Kale Clinic.
# 1
Ayşe Sezim Şafak
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5.0
Turkey, İstanbul
Ear Nose And Throat
Prof. Dr. Ayşe Sezim ŞAFAKAn ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist based in Istanbul,Turkey, Dr.Ayse Sezim Safak treats patients in the full spectrum of otorhinolaryngology. Dr.Ayse Sezim Safak is well known and respected ENT doctor specializing in cosmetic nose surgery (rhinoplasty). She also diagnoses and treats allergies, snoring, hearing loss, and disorders of the sinuses, throat, and ears and performs relevant surgeries. She offers expert medical care for people afflicted by issues such as vertigo and tinnitus.
# 2
Ozel Gazi Hospital
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4.8
Turkey, İzmir
Dentistry,Ear Nose And Throat,Hair Loss,Orthopaedics,Plastic Surgery
Gazi Hospital is a leading healthcare institution located in İzmir, Turkey, offering high-standard medical services since 2002. We provide specialized treatments in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hair Transplant, ENT services, Orthopedics and Dentistry with modern facilities and an expert medical team.Our expert medical team delivers personalized care, ensuring every patient receives the highest level of attention and expertise.As a fully equipped hospital, we prioritize patient safety and maintain the highest healthcare standards throughout your treatment journey.With over 20 years of experience, we have built a reputation for trusted, reliable, and compassionate healthcare.We provide comprehensive support for international patients, including language assistance, airport transfers, and accommodation planning for a seamless experience.
# 3
MD. Professor Teoman Dal
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5.0
Turkey, İstanbul
Ear Nose And Throat
Located in the fashionable Nisantasi District of Istanbul, Professor Dr. Teoman Dal's Private Clinic provides advanced facial rejuvenation procedures including Ultherapy, Suture suspension applications, [Treatment name redacted], filler and wrinkle treatment injections. All surgical procedures are performed at the American Hospital, a Joint Commission International accredited health care facility, located next to the clinic. Prof. Dr. Teoman Dal is a specialist in Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery with interests in functional and aesthetic nasal surgery, endoscopic sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty, snoring and sleep apnea treatment, and reconstructive surgery of head and neck. For patients traveling from afar, transfers, hotel bookings, and city tours can be arranged upon request. Experience the best in private health care in Istanbul with Professor Dr. Teoman Dal.
# 4
Dr. Muhammed Fatih Evcimik
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5.0
Turkey, İstanbul
Ear Nose And Throat
was born in 1978 in Konya. I graduated Malatya Science High School in 1996 and was admitted to Istanbul School of Medicine( Çapa) the same year. After receiving my medical degree, I completed mandatory service with Bursa Orhangazi State Hospital in years 2003 and 2004, and completed my medical residency in otolaryngology at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Teaching and Research Hospital between years 2004 and 2009.In 2005, I moved to Dusseldorf, Germany, and worked at the Otolaryngology Clinic at Heine-Heinrich University. During my time in Germay, I actively accompanied Prof. Dr. Henning August Bier in surgeries.In 2006, I attended Rush University, Chicago, the USA, as a Research Fellow at the otolaryngology department, working with Prof. Dr. Michael Friedman. I attended numerous scientific conventions in Türkiye and the USA during and after my education.Between years 2009 and 2010, I completed my mandatory post-residency service with Malatya Beydağı State Hospital. I also&
# 5