Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that causes several pauses in breathing frequently throughout the night. Although you might believe chronic snoring and daytime fatigue are the only concerns of the sleep disorder, recent evidence has found a connection between sleep apnea, brain damage, and memory loss. If you’re not using your CPAP or oral appliance like you should, you may want to recommit to sleep apnea therapy in Lakeway to safeguard your brain health.
The most common type of sleep apnea occurs from an obstruction in the upper airway that causes interruptions in breathing. Each pause depletes your body of oxygen, causing your brain to jolt you awake to resume normal breathing. Although you may not be fully alert during these episodes, they will disrupt your sleep cycle. As a result, you won’t reach restorative sleep, which can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, moodiness, and memory loss.
Untreated sleep apnea can affect short-term recall because consolidating memories occur during sleep. If you’re constantly waking up, your brain may not properly categorize experiences, which can lead to forgetfulness or memory loss.
Researchers at UCLA recently conducted a study of mammillary bodies, which are the structures in the brain responsible for memory storage. They found adults with sleep apnea have 20% smaller structures than those without the breathing disorder. The study’s evidence is supported by Sleep journal, which published an article discussing the progression of brain damage caused by poor sleep quality. Specific brain chemicals are increased, damaging the brain, and changing the way it works.
Thankfully, the solution to protecting your brain health in Lakeway is simple. Sleep apnea therapy will keep your airways open to avoid interruptions in breathing that harm your brain to preserve your quality of life and general health using an effective treatment, such as:
A steady stream of air pressure is delivered through a mask worn over the nose to prevent pauses in breathing. It can be used alone or along with oral appliance therapy.
As an alternative to a CPAP, many patients prefer an oral appliance. The custom-fit device repositions the lower jaw forward to keep their airway open. It is effective in treating mild-to-moderate cases of the condition using a comfortable, convenient solution.
The last thing you need is anxiety about memory loss or potential brain damage, keeping you awake at night. You can sleep soundly and breathe easier using sleep apnea therapy. Don’t spend another night placing your brain health at risk.
About Dr. Daniel Eaddy
Dr. Eaddy earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center before continuing his training in various specialties, like sleep apnea therapy. He can create the personalized device you need to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Contact our office today to see if you’re a candidate for oral appliance therapy.
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