The Serious Consequences of Sleep Disruption

Categories: Sleep Disorders

consequences of sleep loss

Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz, CA

You probably have seen public service announcements warning against the dangers of distracted or drowsy driving. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that driving while sleepy contributes to approximately 100,000 automobile accidents every year. These accidents lead to about 71,000 injuries and 15,500 fatalities.

Increased risk of a crash is just one of the potential consequences you face when you do not get enough healthy sleep. Sleep loss can cause daytime fatigue, concentration issues, and irritability. Over a prolonged period, lack of sleep leads to other more serious problems including weight gain, cognitive decline, and an overall decline in physical health.

Sleep apnea is a sleep breathing disorder that significantly disrupts your ability to get proper rest. For patients with sleep apnea, their airway becomes blocked or collapses when the muscles in the throat relax. As the air supply is restricted, the body wakes up just enough to resume breathing, which interrupts the natural sleep cycle.

Scientific studies demonstrate that there are three cyclical stages of sleep. In the third stage, brain activity slows and delta brainwaves restore the mind and body. The blockages due to sleep apnea can occur as many as 30 to 60 times per hour, disrupting the delta brainwaves and eliminating their restorative quality.

Sleep apnea is a widespread problem in our population, and many cases go undiagnosed. This can be especially true for children, in whom the symptoms of sleep apnea can mimic those of ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Sleep apnea dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry are the best-qualified health professionals to diagnose and treat sleep apnea. Are you a loud snorer or experiencing any of the symptoms above, you should be evaluated for a sleep breathing disorder as soon as possible. Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry can help; just call (831) 438-4411 to schedule an appointment.

Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry serves patients located in the California communities of Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley.