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The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Diabetes

connection between lack of sleep and diabetesMiami and Coral Gables, FL 

Sleep apnea is becoming more prevalent among adults and has been linked to other health-related issues such as diabetes. Sleep apnea is when a person momentarily stops breathing due to lack of adequate airflow while sleeping, which often results in loud snoring or gasping for air.

When this disruption of deep sleep occurs, it causes the person’s health to suffer. A proper amount of sleep is important for our bodies. Deep sleep allows the body and mind to rest and rejuvenate for the day ahead. When inadequate sleep occurs, it robs the body of the rest it needs, and overall health begins to decline. Studies have directly linked sleep apnea suffers to having a higher risk of developing diabetes.

If you or someone you know suffers from diabetes, a sleep apnea screening is recommended. The opposite is also true in that if you suffer from sleep apnea, you should have a diabetes screening.

The most common type of sleep apnea is referred to as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), meaning the actual airway is obstructed and restricts airflow. According to The American Diabetes Federation, 40% of people who suffer from OSA will develop diabetes. OSA has also been linked to having a negative effective on the glycemic index for people who have type 2 diabetes. A common risk factor of diabetes and OSA is obesity. Being overweight increases one’s chance of developing both sleep apnea and diabetes. However, obesity is not the only risk factor of OSA.

Symptoms of a sleep apnea disorder include, but are not limited to, snoring while sleeping, sluggishness or fatigue during the day, changes in mood, low libido levels, weight gain, or headaches. Some sufferers have marked symptoms of dry or sore mouth from heavy mouth breathing when they sleep.

Even if you have not begun experiencing noticeable symptoms, your partner may be able to help detect early signs of your sleep apnea disorder, especially if you snore while sleeping. Ask your sleep partner if you snore at night or make sounds in your sleep as if you are gasping for air.

If you experience any symptoms associated with sleep apnea or if you suffer from diabetes, consider a consultation with Dr. Garcia and Dr. Sanchez-Garcia of Miami Designer Smiles. The dentists at Miami Designer Smiles can not only diagnose sleep apnea disorders but also provide treatment for sleep apnea.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can be detrimental to your health so do not ignore your symptoms. Gone are the days of treating sleep apnea with a CPAP (continuous positive airflow pressure) machine. Dr. Garcia and Dr. Sancehez-Garcia can treat your sleep apnea by designing a custom-made sleep apnea appliance to relieve you of your symptoms. A repositioning device will align your jaw to allow for proper airflow. This treatment will help you be on your way to a restful night’s sleep.

Call Miami Designer Smiles today at (305) 595-4616 to schedule your consultation. We gladly serve the Miami and Coral Gables, Florida areas.