What Sleep Apnea Does to Your Brain and Why You Should Seek Treatment

Do you wake up tired and unrested despite having slept a good night's sleep? If you are experiencing breathing that repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, you may suffer from sleep apnea, affecting millions worldwide. It is essential to recognize that Sleep Apnea in Little Rock can result in poor sleep quality and oxygen deprivation, which may negatively impact your physical and brain health. In a previous blog post, we discussed what is sleep apnea and how can it be cured. However, in this blog post, we will understand how sleep apnea affects your brain health and why you need to seek proper treatment.

Let's discover what sleep apnea can do to your brain health and why seeking treatment is crucial.

Impact of Sleep Apnea on Brain Health:

Sleep apnea can have numerous adverse effects on your brain health, including:

1. Cognitive Impairment:

   Sleep Apnea can cause cognitive impairment and memory problems. This is because intermittent oxygen deprivation during sleep can damage the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory formation and consolidation, along with decreased cognitive function and memory loss.

2. Depression and Anxiety:

   Sleep Apnea sufferers are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. Poor sleep quality and oxygen deprivation can lead to brain chemistry changes, contributing to mood disorders. Furthermore, the daytime sleepiness associated with sleep apnea can make it challenging to engage in activities that would typically improve mood.

3. Stroke and Dementia:

   Untreated Sleep Apnea can significantly increase the risk of stroke and dementia as the frequent drops in oxygen levels during sleep can damage the blood vessels in the brain and increase inflammation, contributing to stroke and dementia risk.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea:

Seeking immediate treatment to avoid the above complications is of paramount importance. Some of the most effective treatments for Sleep Apnea in Little Rock include:

1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP):

   CPAP is one of the most common sleep apnea treatments. An individual with sleep apnea wears a mask over their nose or mouth while sleeping, delivering a constant stream of air pressure to maintain an open airway throughout the night.

2. Oral Appliances:

   Oral appliances are custom-made devices that help keep the airway open during sleep. They work by repositioning the tongue or jaw to prevent the airway from collapsing.

3. Surgery:

   In severe cases, surgery may be required to treat sleep apnea. Surgical options from a dentist in Little Rock include removing the excess tissue from the throat, repairing the jaw or facial bones, or implanting a device to stimulate the airway muscles.

Get the Best Sleep Apnea Treatment in Little Rock:

The importance of seeking treatment for sleep apnea to prevent long-term effects on your brain health cannot be overstated. Contact Dr. Kinard, a leading dentist near you in Little Rock, and the Cloud Family Dental, Little Rock team to discuss the best treatment options for your specific needs. For more information, browse through our website or call us at (501) 868-3800 right away.